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BBC Axes Changing Rooms After Viewing Figures Slump

BBC Axes Changing Rooms After Viewing Figures Slump

The BBC has confirmed the cancellation of one of its most iconic shows, with the next series of Changing Rooms marking the end of the genre-defining home makeover show after a steady decline in viewing figures over the past five years.

A BBC spokeswoman confirmed the cancellation, stating: “”It is coming to an end after a fantastic eight years. There will be a number of specials, but there are no exact details on these yet.”

Launched in 1996, the programme has become one of the BBC’s all time success stories, reaching phenomenal popularity in the late 1990’s and running for 15 series. The show’s appeal was also stretched beyond British screens, with the BBC selling its format to 20 countries.

At its peak, Changing Rooms drew audiences of over 11 million DIY and decorating enthusiasts, but has slowly lost its appeal amongst viewers, as copycat programming and variations on the makeover theme have cannibalised its core following.


Commenting on the forthcoming specials, which will follow the next series in the autumn and bring an end to the programme, Lorraine Heggessey, controller of BBC One, said: “Changing Rooms is a trailblazer that has influenced the way people see their homes all over Britain. We want to celebrate the end of the series before we move on to new territory.”

Changing Rooms hit a ratings high in December 1999, when its Christmas special attracted almost 12 million viewers, however, home interest shows have seen something of a downturn lately. Earlier this month ITV was forced to drop its latest reality-come-home makeover show, The Block, from its primetime slot due to dwindling audience figures (see ITV Drops Peak-Time Shows To Avoid Viewing Slump).

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk

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