Aussie Gold Hunters has been cancelled after 11 seasons. The show, currently screened in the UK on Discovery+ and Amazon, will not return for another series.
Producer confirms end
According to the ABC's Media Watch, Electric Pictures boss Andrew Agilvie told staff last month the long-running show had "officially come to an end." "Changing market conditions have meant that Season 11 will be the final season of the series," the email read.
Authenticity concerns
It comes after Media Watch and The Guardian repeatedly raised concerns about the show's authenticity and whether some of the gold being dredged up was real. This led to questions about whether the show was eligible for state and federal funding as a documentary.
In July, The Guardian claimed a would-be thief in a recent episode appeared to resemble one of the show's producers. In April, the ABC's Media Watch cited other scenes in Aussie Gold Hunters that appeared to be staged, including one featuring a "poacher" who was in fact the series producer, Michael Dye. Dye told Media Watch the scene was a "recreation" in which he had no choice but to play a part because there was no one else available.
Star's response
In a new post, Melanie Wood, one of the stars of the show, said: "A little clarification about Aussie Gold Hunters. I've seen the article saying that Aussie Gold Hunters has ended, so I just wanted to clear up a few things because there are also a few rumours floating around that simply aren't true.
"The truth is that Electric Pictures has decided not to move forward with filming any more series at this stage. They have made the decision to step back, relax and enjoy life and that decision isn't just about Aussie Gold Hunters.
"Please don't worry! I'm not worried, and I certainly wouldn't be writing the cast of the show off just yet. There's a lot being said and a few rumours going around, but unless you hear it from me or an official source, please don't believe everything you read.
"I'll keep you all updated when I know more. In the meantime, thank you for all the incredible support you've given Aussie Gold Hunters over the years. It really has been one hell of a ride!"
