BBC to axe host Dara O'Briain's 'Mock The Week' after 17 years. Here's why

BBC has decided to axe the UK panel show Mock The Week, hosted by the comedian Dara O'Briain after being aired for 17 years and 21 series.

By ET Spotlight Special | Aug 05, 2022, 02.01 PM IST

British satirical show Mock The Week is set to be axed by BBC after 17 years. The current affairs panel show first aired in 2005 and hosted 20 series. Hosted by Dara O'Briain, the show will end after broadcasting its 21st series, as per the corporation's announcement.

During this long time, Dara O'Briain hosted more than 200 episodes while featuring many renowned comedy stars such as Chris Addison, Hugh Dennis, Rory Bremner, Frankie Boyle, and Russell Howard as regular guests.

After the announcement of the ending of this show, the host O'Briain confirmed with the note that the show's storylines were becoming crazier with several issues, including the global pandemic, the UK's segregation from Europe, and above all, short-term novelty PMs of the country. He also added that the UK has run out of news.

Eight show episodes are still left, which will be aired in the coming months.

A spokesperson from BBC said that the show has made them proud. However, after 21 series, they are compelled to make this tough decision to create room for new shows.

The spokesperson also said they would like to thank host Dara O'Briain, Angst Productions, panelist Hugh Dennis, and the guest comedians who appeared in the show across the 21 series.

While Dara O'Briain cited reasons for the discontinuation of the show, he also added regret for closing 'the doors on Dara and Hugh's Academy, which provided the platform for many' baby comedians.' For him, the decision to end the panel show is silly enough, while they would like to thank all of their guests over the years.

The Irish comedian didn't forget to add his famous satirical note that many of the guests from the show achieved considerable successes in their life, though they never wrote to or called him.

Angst Productions, the program-maker of the show, said that they hoped the show Mock The Week would find a new home.

UK to hold days-long bash to celebrate queen's 70-year reign

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Britain is getting ready for a party featuring mounted troops, solemn prayers — and a pack of dancing mechanical corgis.

The nation will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne this week with four days of pomp and pageantry in central London. But behind the brass bands, street parties and a planned appearance by the aging queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palac e lies a drive to show that the royal family still remains relevant after seven decades of change.