The BBC has cancelled three television programmes: 'Live at the Apollo', 'Blankety Blank', and 'Celebrity Mastermind'. This decision is part of a broader restructure by new Director-General Matt Brittin, which aims to reduce the organisation's content budget by £100m.
'Live at the Apollo', which began in 2004, had been on air for 22 years and was known for showcasing both established and rising comedic talent. Many prominent British comedians gained early primetime experience on the show.
The cancellation of 'Blankety Blank', which relaunched in 2021, brings its total archive to 258 episodes. 'Celebrity Mastermind', which started in 2002, has broadcast 209 episodes and still has a pre-filmed season to air.
These programme cuts follow other recent changes, including the slimming down of Radio 4's 'Today' programme and the end of 'The World Tonight' after 57 years.