Channel 4 has reportedly axed popular show Scared of the Dark after just one series despite its huge success.
Hosted by Danny Dyer, the experimental TV show asked a host of famous faces to live in complete darkness for a week while they were given various challenges.
Former footballer Paul Gascoigne was crowned winner of the series after living eight days in complete darkness as he beat Love Island’s Chloe Burrows, former boxer Chris Eubank and comedian Chris McCausland in the competition.
Despite racking up more than a million viewers, Channel 4 has decided not to return for a second series, according to Deadline.
It was reported in January that Channel 4 is undergoing a massive shake-up after they announced they would be cutting almost 250 roles, equivalent to just over 15% of their full-time workforce.
Channel 4 has reportedly axed popular Danny Dyer-hosted show Scared of the Dark after just one series despite its huge success.
Despite racking up more than a million viewers, Channel 4 has decided not to return for a second series, according to Deadline.
This is higher than the 200 expected by industry sources, as CEO Alex Mahon is expected to announce the largest number of redundancies in the company’s history.
The network has been forced to cancel several shows, including SAS: Who Dares Wins and Steph’s Packed Lunch, as part of its cost-cutting efforts.
Their headquarters on Horseferry Road in London will also be sold as they look to find smaller office spaces in the capital.
Meanwhile, it’s not the first time Scared Of The Dark has been attacked after being hit. with hundreds of ofcom complaints.
A total of 302 viewers contacted the broadcasting watchdog to complain about the show, with many, including the RSPCA, raising concerns about a rabbit used in a task.
During one task, the stars had to put their hands in a series of boxes and feel them to find out what was inside.
But viewers were concerned that the rabbit and other animals involved in the task had become frightened while sitting in a small box while watching Scarlett Moffatt and Chris McCausland squeal and ‘poke’ the bunny, not knowing what it was.
Spectators spoke out on Twitter at the time and the RSPCA said they were also concerned.
Hosted by Danny, the experimental TV show asked a host of famous faces to live in complete darkness for a week while being assigned various challenges.
Former footballer Paul Gascoigne was crowned winner of the series after living eight days in complete darkness as he beat Love Island’s Chloe Burrows, former 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 receiving 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 watching ‘Scared of the Dark’ yesterday and I wanted to tell you that using a live rabbit, locked in a box with two screaming humans pushing and shoving it isn’t great television; in fact, it’s disgusting.”
‘@Channel4 is disgusted by your use of a rabbit in Fear of the Dark!’; ‘The screaming and driving could kill them. Not to mention putting the poor thing in a tiny box!
It hasn’t been a good run for Danny after Netflix axed his ambitious new game show in November.
The former EastEnders star had been recruited to host Cheat, in which contestants can win a lucrative cash prize, alongside actress Ellie Taylor.
But Netflix dropped the show after just one series due to lackluster response from subscribers.
A source told The Sun: “Danny was great as a presenter, as was Ellie, but Netflix thought a series was suitable.”
It didn’t gain much of a following and is unlikely to become part of game show folklore. He enjoyed doing the series, especially depositing the paycheck.
It hasn’t been a good run for Danny after Netflix canceled his ambitious new game show Cheat in November.