Chat show axed after low ratings

Dom Joly's chat show has been dropped by BBC3 after failing to attract viewers.

This Is Dom Joly was meant to be one of the digital channel's flagship shows for the under-30s.

But it will not be returning for a third series, even though the Trigger Happy TV star signed a £1 million two-year deal in December 2001.

BBC3 controller Stuart Murphy admitted that the show "probably won't return".

He said: "He's not sure where he can take it next. He's working on things that are more mainstream that have taken priority."

However, BBC3's new autumn schedules will contain five British comedy series.

Little Britain, written and performed by Matt Lucas and David Walliams, makes the move from Radio 4 to a slot at 9pm on Tuesdays.

Angus Deayton stars in Nighty Night, a dark comedy written by and co-starring Human Remains's Julia Davis.

Simon Day's Fast Show pub bore Billy Bleach is appearing in his own sitcom, Grass.

And animated series Monkey Dust and hidden camera show 3 Non-Blondes are both returning.

Murphy said: "We have been on air for a little over six months and I think we're really starting to get under the skin of the audience, find out what they want and shape the channel accordingly."

Published: 21 Aug 2003