Channel 4 cancels popular comedy series after just one season despite its celebrity-studded cast

Channel 4 has axed a popular comedy series after just one season – despite its celebrity-studded cast. 

The Holden Girls: Mandy and Myrtle was branded as ‘hilarious’ by viewers when its first eight episodes aired in 2021. 

The show sees BGT judge Amanda Holden, 52, persuade her ‘nan’ Myrtle to leave her home in Doncaster for a fast-paced life in the city in her London flat. 

Myrtle, however, is actually played by comedian Keith Lemon (also known as Leigh Francis) in disguise, although many viewers took a while to notice. 

But the show has now been cancelled after just one season as producers reportedly turn to focus their attention on new programmes. 

Cancelled: The programme originally aired on E4 in 2021, starring Amanda Holden and Keith Lemon

A source told The Sun: ‘The Holden Girls proved hilarious together and bosses loved working with Amanda and Keith.

‘But they’ve decided to focus their attention on new comedy shows.’ 

Viewers were thoroughly entertained when the season first aired on E4 in 2021, taking to Twitter to share their reaction. 

One said: ‘Absolutely love Mandy and Myrtle, The Holden girls! So funny, hope there’s lots more!’

In March another added: ‘The Holden girls: Mandy and Myrtle is really funny. You guys should of done another series.’ 

The show also saw cameos from other famous faces, including GMB’s Ben Shepherd and former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes.   

In a clip from the programme, Amanda was seen telling the camera she has been worried about her nan lately. 

She said: ‘I’ve been really worried about my nan every since my granddad Derick died.

Gutted: Twitter users hoped for another series after they enjoyed the first season of the show

Funny: The Holden Girls saw the BGT judge persuade her ‘nan’ to leave her home in Doncaster for a life in London

‘It was really important to bring her down here and make her feel like part of the family again.’

Amanda’s ‘nan’ then came on screen and asked viewers? ‘Do you want to see some photos of Mandy?’ 

She then pulled out a photo of Amanda from her first marriage to Les Dennis and said: ‘There she is, married to Les. Remember Les? I liked Les. He’d have everyone laughing as soon as he walked into a room.’

Despite the disappointing news, Amanda maintains a busy schedule as she prepares for the launch of the new series of Britain’s Got Talent, with the first episode set to air on April 15 on ITV1.  

Channel 4 declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.