The BBC has announced the cancellation of three longstanding television programs as part of a broader effort to reduce its budget by £500 million over the next two years. The decision affects Celebrity Mastermind, the revival of Blankety Blank, and Live at the Apollo, all of which have been significant fixtures in the broadcaster’s schedule.

Celebrity Mastermind, which originated as a one-off special in 2002 before becoming a regular series, is ending after 24 seasons. The show had one completed series yet to be aired, which will now mark its conclusion. Similarly, the Blankety Blank revival, which was relaunched by the BBC in 2021 with host Bradley Walsh, has been discontinued. The original Blankety Blank was one of Britain’s longest-running game shows, though the current version had only been on air for a few years.

Live at the Apollo, a stand-up comedy series that debuted in 2004 and has been broadcast by the BBC for 22 years, will also be discontinued. The show featured performances from notable comedians at London’s Hammersmith Apollo and helped launch the careers of several prominent comedians, including Jason Manford, Russell Howard, and Michael McIntyre. It also attracted established performers such as Joan Rivers, Rob Brydon, Jo Brand, and Julian Clary. One remaining series of Live at the Apollo has been filmed and will be broadcast as its final run.

In a statement, the BBC expressed gratitude to all those involved in producing and performing on the programs, acknowledging their success and longstanding appeal. The broadcaster did not provide detailed explanations for the specific cancellations beyond their inclusion in wider cost-cutting measures aimed at addressing financial constraints facing the organization.