❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

BBC boss addresses "tough" axing of Live at the Apollo, Winterwatch and Celebrity Mastermind

"When we stop doing a show, it’ll be audience led."

Rhys James in black shirt on the Live at the Apollo stage

UKTV

Published: Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 11:06 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10

Kate Phillips, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, has addressed the axing of multiple shows, including Live at the Apollo, Winterwatch, and Celebrity Mastermind.

Ad

It's confirmed that all three shows won't be coming back to the broadcaster, with Phillips speaking out about the "tough" decision at the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival.

Asked by panel host Rishi Davda about whether the broadcaster is "giving with one hand and taking with another", Phillips responded: "I think that’s harsh. I wouldn't say we're doing that."

She said: "We're not doing Winterwatch, but we're doing Naturewatch," adding that the new visualised podcast is going out all year-round.

"Celebrity Mastermind. Yes, we're not doing those at the moment," she continued. "We're still doing Mastermind."

Phillips added: "I think every time we stop doing a show, it will be audience-led. It will look at our strategy across platforms.

Michaela Strachan wearing a bright orange jacket and woolly hat, smiling ahead.

Michaela Strachan on Winterwatch 2025. BBC/Jo Charlesworth

"We're stopping Live at the Apollo – that's a tough message to all the stand-ups. We're at [Edinburgh Fringe] at the moment where all of these stand-ups are performing. I know that Apollo is a big thing to get on that stage, but what we want to do is keep supporting stand-ups with our new entertainment channel, which will also feature a lot of comedy and stand-up, so that there are new places for them to grow.

"So we're absolutely still supporting the widest possible mix of genres, but maybe doing it in different ways going forward."

Last month, it was confirmed that Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo will not be returning for future seasons as part of the BBC's mission to save £500 million.

In a statement, the BBC said it was "incredibly proud of all three of these much-loved shows" and thanked everyone who worked on them, before adding: "Unfortunately, we have to make some really tough choices in light of our funding challenges, and these savings have been identified from the entertainment genre."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Shortly before, the broadcaster had announced the cancellation of Winterwatch – and the launch of visualised podcast Naturewatch.

Jack Bootle, head of commissioning, specialist factual, said: "Nature never stops – and neither should we. Every week, Naturewatch will give Springwatch fans – and all wildlife lovers – a new way to stay connected to the natural world, whether that’s on TV, iPlayer or Sounds.

"The BBC is committed to celebrating British nature across all our platforms, and we hope this new series will encourage audiences to fall in love with the natural world around them.

"By expanding the Watches brand we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible."

Ad

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...