The BBC has announced the beloved seasonal wildlife programme Autumnwatch has officially been scrapped – just one week after Chris Packham confirmed he would be stepping back from TV work.
The flagship channel announced explained the reason why they were axing the show was 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.
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“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.
(Image: 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 to two.”
Fans have since flooded to Twitter to share their outrage following the announcement that the long-standing show is being taken off the air.
One user penned: “@BBCSpringwatch Why on Earth has the #bbc cancelled #autumnwatch?!?! This is utterly stupid!”
(Image: BBC)
Another agreed: “#autumnwatch going? The #watch programmes are the best things on TV. Why not cut back on the #StrictlyComeDancing budget in favour of environmental education?”
A third echoed: “Awful decision. The seasonal watches with @ChrisGPackham and @michaelastracha are one of the few good programmes the BBC make. And Daisy cat loves it! #Autumnwatch.”
The update comes just one week after former host Chris announced he was stepping back from TV presenting after more than 37 years as a presenter.
(Image: Press Association Images)
Speaking to the Mirror, the TV star admitted he has cancelled all of his TV work for more than three works in order to focus on his artistic passions.
This Spring, the wildlife enthusiast hopes to create abstract sculptures of birds, snakes and humpback whales.
When speaking to the publication, Chris insisted he is not having a midlife crisis but wants to get “off the treadmill” and feels a bit “burnt out” after decades of working on the silver screen.
(Image: BBC/Jo Charlesworth)
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He said: “I’m not going to buy a Ferrari and run off with a 20-year-old. I’ve never taken three months off work. Never.
“I can barely sleep I am so excited. I might have to ban [my partner] Charlotte from the studio.
“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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
