Three of the BBC's most popular TV shows are being axed as the corporation pursues a £500 million cost-cutting initiative. On Wednesday, 29 July 2026, the BBC confirmed it is ending Live at the Apollo, Blankety Blank and Celebrity Mastermind.
The stand-up showcase Live at the Apollo, a staple of British comedy for 22 years, is ending. Bradley Walsh's revival of Blankety Blank, which returned in 2021 after decades off air, will also cease. Celebrity Mastermind, the charity spin-off hosted by Clive Myrie, is cancelled after 24 series. The original civilian version of Mastermind will continue.
Cost-cutting drive
The cancellations are part of a push by BBC Content to save £500 million over three years, with at least £100 million in annual recurring savings. This will reduce original television output by 100 to 150 hours.
Falling audiences influenced the decisions. Live at the Apollo dropped from 1.3 million viewers in 2018 to about 660,000 for its last series. Celebrity Mastermind fell from an average of 4 million in 2017 to 1.7 million. Blankety Blank declined from 5.5 million at its 2021 debut to 2.3 million.
Viewer reactions
BBC audiences shared opinions on Reddit, showing a divided response. One viewer said: “Live at the Apollo is a shame but it really has suffered the last few years with some truly terrible choices for acts.” Another commented: “Honestly didn't know it was still going.”
A third added: “Apollo has dropped off; most comics are on TikTok and YouTube first, and their shows are often televised or sell out at arena. Don't see the point of the BBC paying loads for what is essentially a stand up show.” Another agreed: “Live at the Apollo used to be on the top of my watch list. Now we're flooded with comedian's standup, either in segments (YouTube or TikTok) or full hour-long specials nearly every week. It's also tucked away at 10pm on a mid week day.”
One viewer remarked: “I thought Live at the Apollo could be cheap but I can't remember the last time I watched it. Other two are very dated too.” Another fan said: “I won't miss Blankety Blank, but Apollo is a shame. It used to be really good but it had really dropped off.” On Celebrity Mastermind, one viewer said: “I'm surprised as it must cost peanuts to make, it must really not be getting enough viewers to make it worth cancelling.” Another “loved” it, with a third agreeing: “Same, really sad about that one.”
Both Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Mastermind have one final completed series yet to air before disappearing. The BBC has confirmed further cost-cutting announcements across content divisions are expected in the coming months.
