Never Mind The Buzzcocks dropped after 28 series

Never Mind The Buzzcocks has been cancelled after 18 years on the air.

The last series of the show – the 28th – averaged 1.1million viewers.

Trade magazine Broadcast reports that BBC Two controller Kim Shillinglaw had told producers Talkback that ratings needed to rise, but the figure was slightly down on 2013.

Rhod Gilbert took the reins for the last series, with Phill Jupitus and Noel Fielding as the host.

Gilbert was the show’s first permanent host in five years following the departure of Simon Amstell in 2009. Mark Lamarr was the original host, from 1996 to 2005. Sean Hughes and Bill Bailey have also been team captains over the 269 episodes.

A BBC spokeswoman said: ‘After 28 series we’ve decided not to bring Never Mind the Buzzcocks back to the BBC. This will create space for new entertainment formats in the future.

‘We’d like to thank the team at Talkback, Rhod Gilbert, all the brilliant hosts over the years and of course Noel and Phill for the years of enjoyment they’ve given BBC Two viewers.”

Published: 26 May 2015