BBC axes Dara O Briain-fronted series

The BBC has axed its reboot of Robot Wars, fronted by Dara O Briain.

The comic has presented the show with Angela Scanlon since its return to BBC Two in 2016.

But after three series the Corporation has dropped the battling bots to 'make room for new shows'.

A spokesman said, "We are very proud of Robot Wars and would like to thank Mentorn Media, the presenters Dara Ó Briain and Angela Scanlon, and all those involved in the last three series.

'However, in order to create room for new shows, it won't be returning to BBC Two.'

Robot Wars was originally broadcast on the BBC from 1998 until 2003, then on Channel 5 until 2004.

At its peak, it attracted six million viewers, but the third series, which ended in December, averaged just 745,000 - significantly down on the 1.2million who watched the second season in March last year. Being scheduled against Blue Planet II is unlikely to have helped its audience figures.

Published: 17 Mar 2018