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BBC Live at the Apollo cancelled after 22 years as fans 'work out real reason'

The BBC has confirmed that it is axing three of its popular shows, including Live at the Apollo, Blankety Blank and Celebrity Mastermind, as part of a major cost-cutting drive

[Joe Dommett, Live at the Apollo]

Joe Dommett, Live at the Apollo(Image: BBC Studios)

It was announced on Wednesday (July 29) that the BBC is axing three of its popular shows, including the iconic stand-up comedy series Live at the Apollo, which is bowing out after a 22-year run.

Blankety Blank, the rebooted game show hosted by Bradley Walsh since 2021, has also been given the chop, as has Celebrity Mastermind, the well-known charity spin-off presented by Clive Myrie. The latter has been cancelled after 24 series, though the regular civilian version of Mastermind will continue to be broadcast.

The cancellations are part of a comprehensive cost-cutting plan by BBC Content to achieve 500 million in savings over the next three years. Bosses are targeting at least 100 million in annual recurring cuts, which will subsequently reduce original television content by 100 to 150 hours across the channel.

[Bradley Walsh hosting Blankety Blank]

The revival of Blankety Blank will no longer air on the BBC either(Image: BBC/Thames/Matt Frost)

Declining viewer numbers also played a significant role in the decisions. Live at the Apollo saw its audience fall from 1.3 million viewers in 2018 to roughly 660,000 for its latest series.

Similarly, Celebrity Mastermind dropped from an average of 4 million viewers in 2017 to 1.7 million, reports the Express.

Blankety Blank also experienced a decline, with viewership falling from 5.5 million during its 2021 premiere to 2.3 million.

BBC viewers have expressed their reactions to the cancellations - particularly Live at the Apollo - since the news broke, with many taking to Reddit to share their thoughts.

Many appeared to believe that the programme has "suffered" because numerous comedians now gain prominence on platforms like TikTok and YouTube initially.

One viewer wrote: "Apollo has dropped off; most comics are on TikTok and YouTube first, and their shows are often televised or sell out at arena. Don't see the point of the BBC paying loads for what is essentially a stand up show."

Meanwhile another added: "Live at the Apollo used to be on the top of my watch list. Now we're flooded with comedian's standup, either in segments (YoTube or TikTok) or full hour-long specials nearly every week.

"It's also tucked away at 10pm on a mid week day. Most in bed or watching other things (ratings suggest the news) so not ideal."

A third confessed they 'didn't realise that Live at the Apollo' was still broadcasting.

While a further viewer commented: "I thought Love at the Apollo could be cheap (it's essentially hard cam at comedy gig) but I can't remember the last time I watched it. Other two are very dated too."

Someone else said: "I won't miss Blankety Blank, but Apollo is a shame. It used to be really good and introduced some great acts in its day but it had really dropped off."

Meanwhile another added: "I'm surprised by Celebrity Mastermind as it must cost peanuts to make, it must really not be getting enough viewers to make it worth cancelling."

A further stated they "loved" Celebrity Mastermind, with a fellow viewer concurring: "Same, really sad about that one."

Reports suggest that both Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Mastermind have one last finished series ready to air before they bid farewell to viewers.

The BBC has confirmed that more cost-saving measures across its content divisions are expected in the coming months.

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