Never Mind The Buzzcocks cancelled after 18 years and 28 series
Never Mind the Buzzcocks has been axed by the BBC after 18 years and 28 series.
The BBC2 pop music panel quiz has struggled to keep up ratings in recent series, with the final Rhod Gilbert-hosted show averaging 1.1m fewer viewers than the 2013 run according to Broadcast.
A BBC spokeswoman explained:
After 28 series we've decided not to bring Never Mind the Buzzcocks back to the BBC. This will create space for new entertainment formats in the future.
We'd like to thank the team at Talkback, Rhod Gilbert, all the brilliant hosts over the years and of course Noel and Phil for the years of enjoyment they've given BBC2 viewers.
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First airing in 1996, the show was originally hosted by Mark Lamarr for 17 seasons before Simon Amstell – known for his merciless ribbing of guests – took over from series 19 – 22. He was followed by stand-up Rhod Gilbert on series 28.
Hosting duties on the intervening series were shared by guests including James Corden, Tim Westwood and Dizzee Rascal.