The BBC has axed two shows with celebrity hosts in what it is labelling a ‘difficult decision’.
The broadcaster revealed that the move had to be made to ‘make way’ for new programmes.
Now, being dropped are Eat Well for Less and Shop Well for Less.
Eat Well for Less, which addressed the issue of rising food prices, was presented by Jordan Banjo and Chris Bavin and ran for eight series.
Gregg Wallace also used to front the show, but stepped down in 2021 after being inundated with different job offers.
Tough: The BBC has axed two shows with celebrity hosts in what it is labelling a ‘difficult decision’
No more! Eat Well for Less, which addressed the issue of rising food prices, was presented by Jordan Banjo and Chris Bavin and ran for eight series
Since his departure, Chris and Jordan have been travelling around the UK meeting busy families struggling to eat well on a budget.
They watched what the families would buy and eat over the course of a week, and then offer suggestions on how they can change their habits to be healthier, cut food waste, save money, and enjoy conflict free meal times.
Shop Well for Less had five series and was presented by Joanna Page and Melanie Sykes.
It followed a similar concept except focusing on people’s shopping habits, without changing their lifestyle.
But according to TVZone, BBC bosses made the decision to axe both shows to make way for new commissions.
When contacted for comment, a spokesperson said: ‘Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions in order to make way for new shows and we currently have no plans to bring back Eat Well For Less or Shop Well For Less.
‘We would like to thank the team at RDF West who produced both series, and presenters Chris Bavin and Jordan Banjo, and Joanna Page and Melanie Sykes, for all their hard work and enthusiasm bringing these shows to our screens.’
It comes after it was announced earlier this month that the third instalment of the hit BBC drama Life on Mars has been scrapped.
Formerly: Gregg Wallace also used to front the show, but stepped down in 2021 after being inundated with different job offers
Also going: Shop Well for Less had five series and was presented by Joanna Page and Melanie Sykes
‘Difficult decision’: according to TVZone, BBC bosses made the decision to axe both shows to make way for new commissions
While the original series, released in 2006, was a huge success, show bosses have now revealed that ‘financial hurdles’ were too much to overcome.
The creators – Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah – released its sequel, Ashes to Ashes, in 2008, and had announced details of a follow up in 2020.
The project – called Lazarus – would have tied into the Life on Mars universe, with viewers hoping to see characters from both previous shows coming together.
But despite revealing that a script for a pilot episode had been completed last year, Matthew revealed the disappointing news that the project had ground to a halt in a statement on Twitter on Sunday.
He wrote: ‘Some sad news folks. After many months of planning, we will now not be making Lazarus. I can’t go into details but the hurdles were financial not creative.
‘Naturally all who were involved are sick as a jungle full of parrots. Not least myself and Ashley Pharoah.’
He continued: ‘It was a cracking concept – pertinent to our times. It had a whole new round of things to say about the relationship between the public and the police.
‘And it was bloody funny too. But that as they say is showbiz baby. Forgive us if we don’t take questions on the decision or on what happens next for Gene, Sam and the gang.
End of the road: It comes after it was announced earlier this month that the third instalment of the hit BBC drama Life on Mars has been scrapped
No more: While the original series, released in 2006, was a huge success, show bosses have now revealed ‘financial hurdles’ were too much (pictured: John Simm and Liz White)
‘But we wanted to let those who were interested know so that you could instead raise a pint of tan n bitter to the Guv.’
Co-creator Ashley added: ‘Really disappointing news but we gave it a proper crack.
‘We’re still thinking of a way to either share the script with you or bring it out in another form. Until then… pub?’
Life On Mars ran for two seasons between 2006 and 2007 before a three-series spinoff Ashes To Ashes.
It followed the story of DI Sam Tyler (played by John Simm) who had a car accident in the year 2006 and mysteriously found himself taken back in time to 1970s Manchester.
Meanwhile in its sequel, Ashes to Ashes, he learns that he has a boss in the shape of Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), an old school DCI.
In the three series that ran until 2010, he followed his superior at the force in the 1980s.
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