BBC cancels Autumnwatch after Chris Packham steps down from TV work
The BBC has announced that they've cancelled wildlife programme Autumnwatch - just a week after Chris Packham confirmed that he would be stepping down from TV work.
The corporation said that they were axing the show in a bid to “focus our resources on content that has the highest impact”.
A statement from the broadcaster said: “These are challenging times financially and we need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact.
“Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, as they are most popular with audiences.
Autumnwatch won't be returning to our screens (BBC/Pete Dadds)“We are incredibly proud of the Watches and would like to thank the presenters and production team who will continue on Springwatch when it returns in May for three weeks, and Winterwatch when it returns next year for one week, reduced from two weeks.”
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Hosted by the likes of Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Gillian Burke, Autumnwatch had been a hit with many viewers since it first aired on the BBC 17 years ago.
The update comes as host Chris explains his reasons for taking a step back from work.
Speaking to the Mirror, the TV star revealed he has cancelled all TV work for three months to create abstract sculptures of birds, snakes and humpback whales.
The wildlife presenter is taking a break from his career commitments (BBC/Jo Charlesworth)Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror .
He insists he is not having a midlife crisis but wants to get "off the treadmill" and feels a bit "burnt out" after decades of being on screen. "I'm not going to buy a Ferrari and run off with a 20-year-old," he laughed.
"I've never taken three months off work. Never. I can barely sleep I am so excited. I might have to ban [partner] Charlotte from the studio," he said.
"I don't want any interference or disruption, I want to get on with it. It will be good to clear my head and focus on something completely different."
Chris is ready for a break (Press Association Images)But he said that his poodles Sid and Nancy will be with him for the duration.
Chris said: "I can't heat the studio so I will be in my Puffa jacket. I'm making a big nest of old duvets and I'm getting an electric blanket to keep them warm." He said he got the idea to go more off-grid while filming in Chile last year.
"I was locked in a hotel room because one of the team got Covid and I was in isolation for 10 days. I got up every morning and I was typing all day long and I thought, 'this is good'," he added.
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