Three well-received television programmes are set to be discontinued as the broadcaster implements austerity measures.
Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo feature among the productions being eliminated as the organisation seeks to achieve £500 million in savings across the next three-year period.
The move follows sustained financial strain and constitutes the initial installment of broader efficiency initiatives.
A BBC representative stated that the broadcaster takes great pride in each of these much-admired programmes and expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to bringing them to audiences and ensuring their long-standing success.
The representative added that difficult decisions must be made given the funding constraints, with savings being identified from the entertainment category.
The standard Mastermind format, fronted by Clive Myrie, will remain on air, while both the celebrity variant and Live at the Apollo have one concluding series still to broadcast.
The corporation indicated it would continue to prioritise commissioning bold entertainment content and nurturing comedic performers, including through fresh digital strategies centred on stand-up comedy and up-and-coming acts.
The reductions align with BBC Content’s objective of achieving a minimum of £100 million in yearly recurring savings, which will result in between 100 and 150 fewer hours of original television output across all genres by the conclusion of the 2027-28 financial year.
Additional details regarding savings within the Content division are anticipated in the months ahead.
Naga Munchetty departs BBC Breakfast
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has revealed she will be leaving the morning programme following a tenure spanning 17 years.
The broadcaster initially became part of the show in 2009 but will depart in December to assume a new position as co-host of 5 Live Breakfast in 2027.
Ms Munchetty stated that she is delighted to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January.
She explained that live news coverage, engaging discussions and building connections with listeners represent what she finds most fulfilling about broadcasting, and that 5 Live excels in all these areas.
Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live represents an opportunity that proved impossible to decline.
She noted that the position will demand considerable effort and require complete dedication and enthusiasm, and that she eagerly anticipates fully immersing herself in the role.
Her appointment follows confirmation that existing 5 Live Breakfast presenters Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden will conclude their roles in December.