Topical comedy show dropped after 12 years

The BBC has axed its topical comedy show Newsjack after 12 years.

The Radio 4 Extra show boasted an open-door policy which invited submissions from anyone.

However, the Corporation promises a new programme with the same approach will launch next year.

The news was broken on the official Newsjack Twitter feed, which posted: ‘And now it’s time for some breaking news! After 24 series spanning 12 years Newsjack has left the building. A NEW open door show for new writing and submissions launches on 4 Extra in 2022 - stay tuned.

‘We thank all of our wonderful hosts, brilliant casts, producers and most importantly the hundreds of fantastic writers who cut their teeth writing for the show. You made Newsjack what it was, and we look forward to an exciting new chapter.’

We thank all of our wonderful hosts, brilliant casts, producers and most importantly the hundreds of fantastic writers who cut their teeth writing for the show. You made Newsjack what it was, and we look forward to an exciting new chapter.

— Newsjack (@NewsjackBBC) September 17, 2021

The show launched in 2009 with Miles Jupp at the helm, before he went on to host Radio 4’s News Quiz.

Subsequent hosts were Justin Edwards, Romesh Ranganthan, Nish Kumar, Angela Barnes and Kiri Pritchard McLean, pictured, who took over in 2019. Her last episode aired in March.

Cast members over the years have included Pippa Evans, Andi Osho, Jess Robinson, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Cariad Lloyd, Lewis MacLeod and Mike Wozniak.

Published: 17 Sep 2021