ITV axe an iconic children’s TV channel after 17 years on screens in major shake-up

One of TV’s most beloved children’s channels is set to be axed after 17 years on screens.

ITV has revealed that its dedicated children’s channel CITV will close in September after nearly two decades of entertaining young viewers.

Before its launch as an exclusive channel in 2006, CITV was the brand used to broadcast afternoon shows for children, and was first used back in 1983. 

The channel has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack.

But now, ITV have moved its entire slate of children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids which was launched in July.

Moving on: ITV have moved its entire slate of children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids which was launched in July

According to TV Zone UK the channel will stop airing on September 1 at 9pm.

Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITVX said: ‘We’re really excited to launch this dedicated destination for kids on ITVX, which will be home to a wealth of content including new series, recognisable brands and existing favourites for a range of ages, all in one child-safe area, with editorial curation to guide viewing.’

Explaining their decision, ITV bosses revealed the the average amount of broadcast TV minutes of kids TV channels watched by 4-15 year olds per week has declined by 62% since 2019.

Viewing figures on streaming figures have risen by 30% in the same period.

ITV has confirmed that the platform will feature a slate of brand new shows, as well as bringing back classical episodes of nostalgic series’ such as Bob the Builder, and Mr Bean.

However, ITV will continue to feature the LittleBe preschool segment and will offer some children’s content in the early mornings on ITV2 from September.

Since its inception 17 years ago, CITV has been home to shows including the animated shows The Rubbish World of Dave Spud and Horrid Henry.

More recently, the channel rebooted its iconic programme HOW, hosted by Vick Hope, Sam Homewood and Frankie Vu.

Blast from the past! The channel, began in 2006 has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack, but the CITV brand began back in 1983

CITV also kickstarted the careers of many beloved TV stars, with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern fronting the weekend show Ministry Of Mayham.

One of its best remains Jungle Run, which aired from 1999 to 2006, and focused on a team of children who navigate a mythical jungle ruled by the Jungle King, where the goal is to win treasure.

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also hosted SMTV: Live with Cat Deeley when CITV shows were aired on ITV, fronting the iconic programme from 1998 to 2001.