ITV axes National Movie Awards

ITV has axed the National Movie Awards because of low ratings for last year’s ceremony, presented by Christine Bleakley.

Despite the axe by ITV the events organiser, Indigo, has reportedly insisted the event will still take place, in October, but on a different channel.

Possible new broadcasters include Channel 4 – who picked up the Comedy Awards from ITV, Channel Five or Sky. If the National Movie Awards do indeed go ahead it will be without Christine Bleakley who has an exclusive contract with ITV.

Last year’s ceremony was seen by just 2.4 million viewers and was widely criticised by viewers and the press alike.

The 2010 ceremony, presented by James Nesbitt, who also presented the 2008 ceremony, was seen by 2.8 million viewers. The first National Movie Awards were held in 2007, presented by Alexander Armstrong, but again the ceremony rated poorly with less than 3.3 million viewers tuning in.

The idea, spun from the National Television Awards, has failed to live up to its elder gone show, the NTA’s continue to draw impressive viewers to ITV.