Show axed from prime-time slot

ITV chiefs are dumping Hugh Laurie's new comedy-drama Fortysomething from its prime-time slot.

The show will be shunted into a graveyard Saturday night slot after shedding nearly a third of its viewers in a week.

Just 4.3 million tuned in at 9pm on Sunday, which is usually one of ITV1's best-performing slots.

It will initially be replaced by Midsommer Murders.

Brian Conley's gameshow Judgement Day is also being moved from its peak-time Saturday show because of poor ratings.

An ITV spokeswoman said: "These are good shows which unfortunately haven't found their feet in their current slots. It's something all channels have to deal with in this highly competitive environment.

"If programmes are struggling in a particular slot then we have to take action to protect both the show and the schedule overall."

Published: 9 Jul 2003