Lee Mack opens up about his and Holly Willoughby's BBC show being axed
Comedy star Lee Mack has finally opened up on why the reality show Freeze the Fear, which he hosted alongside Holly Willoughby, was axed by BBC bosses.
The show, which followed a host of celebrities including sports presenter Gabby Logan, rapper Professor Green and former Manchester United star Patrice Evra, saw them complete in a number of challenges in sub-zero temperature. And this was to test them both mentally and physically. Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell also took part in the series.
While bosses assumed at the time the format would be a hit among viewers, similar to Celebrity SAS, the rating did not reflect their expectations. And now finally, Lee, 55 has revealed the reason why. The comedian confessed: "Celebs in cold water did not make as exciting television as [the BBC’s producers] thought." Despite teaming up with former This Morning star Holly, there has not been talk of another series in the pipeline.
Lee Mack reveals why BBC bosses axed his reality TV show Freeze the Fear with Holly WilloughbySpeaking to The Sun, Lee added he enjoyed making the show and was disappointed to see if cancelled. Reports circulated back in January 2023 that claimed the reality TV show would not be returning in the next 12 months. This was the first time Holly had jumped over to the BBC for nearly a decade as she has exclusively presented shows on ITV since 2004.
And it seems Holly had also thought the show would be a success as sources told The Sun: "Since 2004 Holly has almost exclusively worked for ITV as one of the channel’s most prized presenters. So it was a big deal in the industry that she was hopping over to the BBC and showed she had real confidence in Freeze the Fear being a big success. But as it stands there’s been no work done on a second series."
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Back in October last year, Holly released a statement regarding her shock departure from This Morning. Holly had hosted the popular daytime TV show for 14 years and decided to take to Instagram to share her agonising decision with fans. In a statement shared to her Instagram page, it read: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so, so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together."
She added: "Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive."
Holly continued: "To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. It's been an honour to just be part of it's story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. "I will miss you all so much."
And Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media and Entertainment, ITV said: "We are sad that Holly is leaving This Morning, but respect her decision which we know will have been extremely difficult for her to make. Holly is one of the best loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK. She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.
He added: "Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme will miss her enormously. She remains a much loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future."
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