Matthew Macfayden hints at Ripper Street return Matthew Macfayden has hinted that axed Victorian crime drama Ripper Street could make a return. The actor, who played Inspector Edmund Reid in the show, said that a "touching" fan response may have inspired talks to bring it back "by other means." He told BBC Radio 5 live's Richard Bacon: "There are efforts being made to breathe life back into it... there was over 20,000 signatures to the petition. There's been a big ground swell of support. The drama was cancelled due to poor ratings but the BBC is now "looking at partnerships that could enable Ripper Street to return but at better value to licence fee payers."