The series following the adventures of a group of college friends in Boston has become a major hit on Channel 4 in the UK.

The WB network in the US, which premièred the show, announced it is bowing out on 14 May with a two-hour finale.

The actors' contracts have expired and they now intend to concentrate on film work instead.

The show made a star of James Van Der Beek

Dawson's Creek has made celebrities of its original cast - especially James Van Der Beek in the central role of Dawson.

Created by Kevin Williamson, who wrote hit teenage film Scream, it has also featured Katie Holmes as Joey, Michelle Williams as Jen and Joshua Jackson as Pacey.

The fifth season of the show is currently being screened on Channel 4's youth strand, T4.

Alongside its mainly female teenage audience, it has also attracted a number of older viewers.

In January 1998 it achieved the WB's highest ratings and forced critics to look at the station in a new light.

Katie Holmes is among cast members concentrating on film work

Announcing its demise, the WB entertainment president Jordan Levin said: "We will always carry an emotional attachment to Dawson's Creek.

"The show defined who we are and reflected the aspirational voice of the next generation of television viewers."

The show originally took place in a sleepy New England hamlet.

It is now based mainly in Boston, as the characters grow up and attend college.