Channel 4 axes iconic reboot amid 'mediocre ratings' as viewers switch off
Channel 4 is said to have axed the Changing Rooms reboot after just two series with beloved interiors icon Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen returning to the show that shot him to superstardom.
The legendary BBC series was brought back onto the air by the broadcaster in 2021 but it has reportedly not garnered the viewership Channel 4 had hoped for.
The new version of the 90s interiors makeover show was initially hosted by Naked Attraction star Anna Richardson, who herself replaced original host Davina McCall.
The reboot was originally set to be hosted by Davina, but she was forced to pull out of the project after she was unable to juggle her judging commitments on ITV ’s The Masked Singer.
Yet it has now been reported that the axe has fallen on Changing Rooms and it will not be back this year for a third series, with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said to have been informed of the decision alongside with the rest of the show's team.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likenessA TV source told The Sun: “It is a blow for everyone who worked on the reboot. A lot of passion went into making the first two series but it wasn’t to be. The ratings were mediocre and while the show was fun and upbeat, it didn’t seem to capture the public in the way it used to.
“Everyone on Changing Rooms is really proud of what they produced and naturally, not all reboots will work. Sadly Laurence and co won’t be back now and he is preparing to move onto pastures new.”
A spokesperson for Channel 4 confirmed to the publication that Changings Rooms would indeed not get a third series. The Mirror has contacted the broadcaster for comment.
They said in a statement: “Laurence will be back later this year in Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, so he won’t be off our screens for long.
“We are extremely proud of our reboot of Changing Rooms and would like to thank everyone involved with the series.”
When the reboot was initially announced, Laurence vowed to take on the “beige” interiors of the nation, and urged them to embrace flamboyance and colour in their living spaces.
He said: “There’s no room for beige in our homes and, just as it was in the ’90s, Changing Rooms is once more the homestyle antidote to Britain’s blues (and greys and taupes, and even Magnolia).
“It’s taken quite a lot of coaxing to get me under the Changing Rooms banner once more, but nothing like as much coaxing as it’s going to take for me to squeeze those leather trousers back on.”