C4 scotches rumours

Channel 4 has denied rumours that it has axed topical comedy show 10 O'Clock Live.

The first 15-part series came to an end last week, with around half the audience it started with in January.

With a star line-up of Jimmy Carr, Charlie Brooker, David Mitchell and Lauren Laverne and heavy marketing spend, the show was aimed to be one of the broadcaster’s flagships.

Just under 1.4 million watched the initial broadcast, but by the end ratings were aroud 630,000, with a further 110,000 on C4+1. Initial critical response was lukewarm, but the consensus has been that the show improved with time.

And in March, Channel 4's comedy and entertainment commissioner Darren Smith said he was pleased with the figure, telling trade magazine Broadcast: ‘With the repeats, VoD [Video on Demand] and live transmission combined, the show is doing about 1.8 million, which is fantastic for a comedy entertainment show.’

But at the time, he refused to say whether he had commissioned another series.

Now the broadcaster says the issued statement via its press office Twitter account saying that still no decision has been made.

Its Tweet said: ‘Contrary to the rumour mill - 10 O'Clock Live has not been cancelled. No decision has been made.’

Published: 5 May 2011