Adam Rowe, the 34-year-old stand-up comedian, appeared on Sunday's edition of BBC Breakfast to give his verdict on the cancellation of Live at the Apollo. Speaking to Emma Vardy and Roger Johnson from the famous red sofa, Rowe said he was not "surprised" that the BBC had decided to end the show.
He argued that stand-up still needs a showcase, saying: "It was a massive platform. I think it should still be there; I think there should be a home for British stand-up." He continued: "We need something. We need something like 'you can watch the best of British stand-up here' and if it's not going to be Live at the Apollo, it's going to have to be an independent that does it online. Maybe YouTube or something."
The comic also noted that the programme had brought a generation into stand-up, adding: "It's not going to be there now."
End of an era
After more than two decades on air, Live at the Apollo has become the latest victim of the broadcaster's cost-cutting plans. The BBC has confirmed the series, filmed at London's Hammersmith Apollo, will not return after its next run.
The decision is part of wider savings measures as the corporation looks to cut spending by hundreds of millions of pounds in the coming years. Calling the move a "difficult decision", BBC bosses paid tribute to the programme's legacy, highlighting its role in showcasing established stars and rising talent in a prime-time slot.
Since 2004, Live at the Apollo has been one of the BBC's most enduring entertainment shows and a springboard for countless stand-up comics. A final series is set to be recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo later this year to give the format a send-off.
Other shows dropped
Live at the Apollo is not alone in being affected. Blankety Blank and Celebrity Mastermind have also been dropped in the same round of cuts.
In a statement, the BBC said: "We are incredibly proud of all three of these much-loved shows and would like to thank everyone involved, both in front of and behind the camera, for bringing them to screen and making them such a success over many years."
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.
