Channel 4 axes two comedy shows as star presenter issues emotional statement
Channel 4 has axed two beloved comedy shows just before Christmas, leaving some fans 'gutted'.
The broadcaster has shelved The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan and Hobbyman, fronted by The Last Leg star Alex Brooker after just one series. The show saw the comedian travel the world and learn new hobbies, alongside famous faces including writer and actor Joe Wilkinson, TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, The Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas, and chef broadcaster Andi Oliver.
“Every year, Channel 4, like all broadcasters, makes decisions about which shows to rest, return or conclude to ensure we always innovate and offer viewers the best range of programming," a spokesperson for Channel 4 said when confirming the cancellations. "Additionally, with audience habits changing faster than ever, we need to focus our resources more rigorously and prioritise programmes that drive digital growth. However, the proportion of shows that we are choosing not to recommission is no different to recent years.”
The Masked Singer judge Mo, 35, also announced the devastating news his talk show will come to an end later this month after an 'incredible four years. Viewers will be treated to an action-packed Christmas special. The final episode is set to air next week, on Wednesday, December 20.
Fans have been left 'gutted' (AFP via Getty Images)The popular chat show landed on our screens in 2019 and has since gone on to receive a BAFTA. Over the last few years, the comedian has interviewed the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Jack Whitehall, AJ Odudu, and Joel Dommett. On Instagram, he posted a lengthy statement on his page, he said: "After four incredible years, The Christmas episode of The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan which, transmits at 10pm on Wednesday 20th December will be my last.
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"I can’t even begin to describe how proud I am of this show. It genuinely changed my life and has created an industry-wide impact. It’s won numerous awards and achieved even more nominations, but it’s the army of people behind the scenes that made it happen who are so important. There are so many moments that I’ll always look back on with so much happiness."
He continued: "From that very first moment at Channel 4 where they took a chance on an ambitious young black creative who just couldn’t find a way into the industry. To endless creative meetings with all the team at Expectation who all worked so hard to try and make something with scale, joy and game changing ideas at its heart.
His show first aired in 2019 (Dean Chapple/REX/Shutterstock for Channel Four)
Mo Gilligan has stepped down from hosting his show (PA)Thanking the production crew and staff for their incredible work, Mo added: "To every single production team member who worked relentlessly across all 4 series. The epic guests who gave it their all, week in and week out. To the outstanding Compozers and phenomenal MOcalists. All the excellent stand up comedians who performed on our Lateish Introduces platforms and the outstanding individuals who joined as crew for our game-changing Lateish Accelerator Programme.
"All the brilliant crew and staff at BBC Studios. My incredible team at my production company MOMO G who always push me in the best kind of way. To everyone at Channel 4 for continuing to support me over and over again and most importantly, the viewers - those who have watched us, shared the clips, taken part and supported us for so long. It’s been a huge privilege to bring people into my world every Friday night and just have fun.
"Next year is a busy one for me but I’m beyond thankful for what has been achieved and I’ll never take lightly the opportunity that I was given. I promise to keep pushing for more of those opportunities for the next generation of young creatives…… And to that next young Mo, who is just trying to catch a break…To them I say, keep going. Don’t give up. Everything is possible...The Lateish Show proves it."
Fans of the show have been left 'gutted' by his announcement. One person said: "No way gunna miss it but can't wait to see what you do next. legend." Another person added: "Gutted! But look at what you achieved. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you." A third person wrote: "Nooooo. this was honestly the best show throughout the whole thing in so long. Actually gutted. never say never to doing it again pleaseee."
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