Comedy talk show axed mid-series

E4 has unexpectedly axed its comedy showbiz gossip show Dirty Digest after just three episodes.

Chortle understands that the broadcaster pulled the plug after being unhappy with changes to the senior staff on the series, which is made by independent production house Running Bare.

A Channel 4 spokesman would not discuss the reasons for the sudden axe, but confirmed that the episode which went out on Thursday would be the last. Originally, eight shows had been commissioned.

It was hosted by model and ITV Fashion Show presenter Michelle De Swarte, who also came up with the format, and featured BBC Switch presenter AJ Odudu, former QI researcher Dan Schreiber and stand-up Joe Lycett discussing the week's showbiz trivia. All the regulars, except Lycett, are clients of John Noel Management, the sister company of Running Bare.

Senior production staff on the show were changed after the first two episodes. One source close to the show told Chortle: 'The crew were changed without prior warning, meaning there was complete new set of writers and producers.

'The talent quite rightly started wondering what was going on, and due to the complete mess created, Channel 4 pulled the plug.'

However, another show insider said the switch of producers was actually prompted at the cast’s request, as they wanted a more experienced team looking after the programme.

The next edition of the show has been replaced by a re-run of Chris Moyles' Quiz Night.

Lycett tweeted over the weekend: 'A shame Dirty Digest ended early but it was such a pleasure working with the team. Thanks for watching.'

Published: 26 Nov 2011