Channel 4 ‘axes popular show hosted by Danny Dyer’ after just one series
Channel 4 has reportedly axed hit show Scared of the Dark after just one series, despite its huge success.
The experimental TV show, hosted by Danny Dyer, asked a host of famous faces to live in complete darkness for a week as they were tasked with various challenges.
Former footballer Paul Gascoigne was crowned the winner of the series after living in complete darkness for eight days as he beat Love Island’s Chloe Burrows, ex-boxer Chris Eubank and comedian Chris McCausland in the competition.
Despite bringing in more than a million viewers, Channel 4 has decided not to return for a second series Deadline.
In January it was reported that Channel 4 is undergoing a massive change after announcing it would cut almost 250 roles, representing just over 15% of its full-time staff.
Channel 4 has reportedly axed hit show Scared of the Dark, presented by Danny Dyer, after just one series, despite its huge success
Despite bringing in more than a million viewers, Channel 4 has decided not to return for a second series, according to Deadline
This is a higher number than the 200 that industry sources are predicting, as CEO Alex Mahon is expected to announce the highest number of layoffs in the company’s history.
The channel has been forced to cancel a handful of programmes, including SAS: Who Dares Wins and Steph’s Packed Lunch, as part of efforts to cut costs.
Their headquarters on Horseferry Road in London will also be sold as they look for smaller office space in the capital.
Meanwhile, it’s not the first time Scared Of The Dark has come under fire after being hit by the hundreds Ofcom complaints.
A total of 302 viewers contacted the broadcasting watchdog with complaints about the programme, with many, including the RSPCA, raising concerns about a rabbit being used in a task.
During one task, the stars had to put their hands into a series of boxes and feel their way to find out what was inside.
But viewers were concerned that the rabbit and other animals involved in the task would have been frightened if they were in a small box as they watched Scarlett Moffatt and Chris McCausland scream and ‘excite’ the bunny, not knowing what it was used to be.
Viewers vented on Twitter at the time, with the RSPCA saying they were also concerned.
The experimental TV show, hosted by Danny, asked a host of famous faces to live in complete darkness for a week as they were given various challenges.
Former footballer Paul Gascoigne was crowned the winner of the series after living in complete darkness for eight days as he beat Love Island’s Chloe Burrows, ex-boxer Chris Eubank and comedian Chris McCausland in the competition.
Meanwhile, it’s not the first time Scared Of The Dark has come under fire after being hit with hundreds of Ofcom complaints over the welfare of a rabbit used in a task (pictured by Chris McCausland and Scarlett Moffatt)
One wrote: ‘I was just watching yesterday’s ‘Scared of the Dark’ and wanted to tell you that using a live rabbit locked in a box with two screaming people poking and prodding it is not great TV, in fact still, it’s disgusting.’
‘@Channel4 is disgusted by your use of a rabbit on Bang in the Dark!’; ‘The shouting and actions could kill them. Not to mention putting the poor thing in a little box!”
Things haven’t been good for Danny after his ambitious new game show was axed by Netflix in November.
The former EastEnders star was drafted in to host Cheat, in which contestants can battle their way to a lucrative cash prize alongside actress Ellie Taylor.
But Netflix canceled the show after just one series following a lackluster response from subscribers.
A source told The Sun: ‘Danny was great as a presenter, as was Ellie, but Netflix felt one series was about right.
It didn’t gain a huge following and will hardly feature in game show folklore. He enjoyed making the series, especially banking the paychecks.”
It hasn’t been a good time for Danny after his ambitious new game show Cheat was axed by Netflix in November