BBC axes three major TV shows as part of cost-cutting plans

Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo are among the programmes to be cut as part of efforts to deliver £500 million in savings over the next three years.

The decision comes amid ongoing financial pressures and forms part of the first phase of wider cost-cutting proposals.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud of all three of these much-loved shows and would like to thank everyone involved, both in front of and behind the camera, for bringing them to screen and making them such a success over many years.

“Unfortunately, we have to make some really tough choices in light of our funding challenges, and these savings have been identified from the entertainment genre.”

Regular Mastermind, hosted by Clive Myrie, will continue, and both Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo still have one final series left to air.

The BBC said it will remain committed to commissioning ambitious entertainment programming and supporting comedy talent, including through new digital plans focused on stand-up and emerging performers.

The cuts are part of BBC Content’s target to deliver at least £100 million in recurring annual savings, which will lead to a reduction of 100 to 150 hours of original television programming across all genres by the end of 2027-28.

Further announcements regarding savings in the Content division are expected in the coming months.

Naga Munchetty to leave BBC Breakfast

BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has announced she is leaving the morning programme after 17 years.

The TV star first joined the show back in 2009, but in December, she will leave to take up a new role as co-presenter of 5 Live Breakfast in 2027.

Ms Munchetty said: “I’m thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January.

“Live news, great conversations, and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.

“Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up.

“It will take a huge amount of work and require 100% of my focus and energy, and I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into the role.”

Her appointment follows the announcement that current 5 Live Breakfast hosts, Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden, will step down in December.