Never Mind The Buzzcocks axed by the BBC after 18 years

Rhod Gilbert, Never Mind The Buzzcocks

The beeb has axed anarchic pop-focused comedy quiz Never Mind The Buzzcocks after 18 years and 28 series. In a statement, the corporation put its decision down to the need to “create space for new entertainment formats”.

Never Mind The Buzzcocks debuted on BBC Two in 1996 and was hosted by Mark Lamarr until December 2005. Simon Amstell replaced Lamarr in 2006, remaining in the role until 2008, after which the show was presented by a number of guest presenters until Rhod Gilbert took over the reins last year.

“After 28 series we’ve decided not to bring Never Mind the Buzzcocks back to the BBC. This will create space for new entertainment formats in the future.” – BBC

Mark Lamarr: Original host of Never Mind The Buzzcocks

Phill Jupitus has been a team captain on all 28 series, with Sean Hughes, Bill Bailey and Noel Fielding fulfilling the role on the opposing team.

“We’d like to thank the team at Talkback, Rhod Gilbert, all the brilliant hosts over the years and of course Noel and Phill for the years of enjoyment they’ve given BBC Two viewers.” – BBC

The panel gameshow – named in tribute to the Sex Pistols’ Never Mind The Bollocks album – suffered a ratings slump following Amstell’s withdrawal from the format with a Gilbert-fronted revamp failing to increase interest in 2014.

Over the years a number of affronted guests have stormed off set during the recordings.

Simon Amstell - Never Mind The Buzzcocks

Pictured: Top: Rhod Gilbert the current host of Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Middle: Original host Mark Lamarr and Bottom: Simon Amstell who presented the show between 2006-2008