Adam Rowe has called for a new home for British stand-up after the BBC confirmed that Live at the Apollo will come to an end following its next series.
The 34-year-old Liverpool comic spoke on BBC Breakfast on Sunday, joining presenters Emma Vardy and Roger Johnson to react to the cancellation. He said he was not surprised by the BBC's decision, but argued that the industry still needs a major platform dedicated to showcasing stand-up.
"It was a massive platform. I think it should still be there; I think there should be a home for British stand-up," he said.
A vital stepping stone for comics
Rowe became one of the country's best-known comedians after being crowned Hot Water Comedy Club's Comedian of the Year in Liverpool in 2011. He later won widespread praise for his 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe show Undeniable.
He suggested that if the BBC is no longer willing to provide that stage, another broadcaster or online platform should take its place, because audiences still "need something".
Rowe also reflected on the show's wider impact, saying it introduced an entire generation of viewers to stand-up comedy. He warned that future comics could lose an important route to mainstream audiences.
Why Live at the Apollo is ending
"It's always going to be better live, and I think that is what has hurt TV stand-up for decades. There still needs to be a digital or broadcast version of it," he said.
Live at the Apollo has aired since 2004 and is based at the Hammersmith Apollo. The BBC described ending the series as a "difficult" decision, while praising its long-standing role in bringing both established names and emerging talent to prime-time television.
A final batch of episodes will be recorded later this year. The show is one of several entertainment programmes being dropped as the BBC looks to reduce spending, with Blankety Blank and Celebrity Mastermind also axed.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.
