Overview
- The BBC confirmed on Wednesday that it will not recommission Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo as part of its initial round of entertainment cuts.
- Regular Mastermind will continue to air but Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo each have one final commissioned series still to be broadcast before ending.
- The cancellations are part of a wider effort to deliver £500 million in savings over three years and reflect BBC Content’s target to secure at least £100 million in recurring annual cuts.
- Executives said the moves respond to falling linear and catch‑up audiences for the shows and to a long‑term decline in licence‑fee income that is forcing reductions in original TV output.
- The BBC said it will keep commissioning entertainment while soon announcing digital initiatives for stand‑up and emerging comedians, and further content and staffing savings are expected in coming months.