Sarah Palin, the 46-year-old Republican politician and former Governor of Alaska, is not returning for a second series of 'Sarah Palin's Alaska', fuelling speculation that she is set to make a 2012 Presidential bid, according to Entertainment Weekly. The reality show, which has courted much controversy in recent months, had its season one finale yesterday (9th January 2011).
In the concluding episode, Palin went panning for gold with her father and youngest daughter PIPER PALIN. Despite Piper wanting to sell her gold online, she eventually used her one and a half ounces to form an anniversary piece of jewellery for her grandmother. The show premiered back on 14th November 2010 to a healthy five million viewers, and Palin stated that the purpose of the program was to bring "the wonder and majesty of Alaska to all Americans". However, the Republican sparked controversy after she was filmed hunting and killing caribou and 'West Wing' creator AARON SORKIN told her in an open letter, "You enjoy killing animals". Despite the show's popularity, producer MARK BURNETT has confirmed there are no plans to return for a second season, and it looks likely that Palin is keeping her diary empty for a possible battle with Barack Obama next year.
In response to criticisms of the 'hunting episode', the former Governor left a message on her Facebook page that read, "Unless you've never worn leather shoes, sat upon a leather couch or eaten a piece of meat, save your condemnation of tonight's episode. I remain proudly intolerant of anti-hunting hypocrisy".