Live at the Apollo fans 'work out real reason' it's been axed after 22 years

It was confirmed on Wednesday (July 29) that the BBC is scrapping three of its well-known programmes, including legendary stand-up comedy platform Live at the Apollo, which coming to an end after 22-year years.

Blankety Blank, the revived game show fronted by Bradley Walsh since 2021, has also been axed, as has Celebrity Mastermind, the renowned charity variant presented by Clive Myrie. The latter has been cancelled after 24 series, though the standard civilian edition of Mastermind will remain on air.

The axings form part of an extensive cost-reduction strategy by BBC Content to deliver 500 million in savings over the coming three years. Executives are pursuing at least 100 million in yearly recurring cuts, which will consequently slash original television output by 100 to 150 hours throughout the channel.

Falling audience figures also contributed significantly to the choices. Live at the Apollo tumbled from 1.3 million viewers in 2018 to approximately 660,000 for its most recent series.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Mastermind declined from an average of 4 million viewers in 2017 to 1.7 million.

Blankety Blank likewise dropped from 5.5 million viewers during its 2021 debut to 2.3 million.

BBC audiences have voiced their reactions to the programmes especially Live at the Apollo - being cancelled since the announcement was made, with numerous people heading to Reddit to share their views.

Many seemed to think that the show has "suffered" because a lot of comedians now get exposure on the likes of TikTok and YouTube first.

One person 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."

While 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 said they 'didn't realise that Live at the Apollo' was still going.

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."

While 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."

According to reports, both Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Mastermind still have one final completed series left in the wings that will air before they leave the screens for good.

Further cost-cutting announcements across the BBC's content divisions are anticipated in the months ahead, the corporation has confirmed.