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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Christian Abbott & Patrick Daly

Why was Mock The Week cancelled — and when is the final ever episode?

Panel comedy show Mock The Week aired its final original episode last month, with the quick-witted programme brought to an end.

For upset fans, there is a chance to relive the shows 17-year tenure in all its glory as the BBC airs the second of its farewell programmes to the much-loved show this week.

Hosted by Irish stand-up and general brainbox Dara O’Briain, Mock the Week has been airing on BBC Two since 2005.

But bosses at Broadcast House in August confirmed its cancellation after the series clocked-up more than 200 episodes.

Countless hilarious comedians have graced the show, including Hugh Dennis, Frankie Boyle, Russell Howard, Rory Bremner, Chris Addison, David Mitchell and many others.

The show focused on current news trends as two teams would battle it out to deliver the best jokes over some of the silliest news.

When is the final episode of Mock the Week?

Dara O'Briain has already said farewell to fans during the final original episode of series 21 (BBC)

The final original episode actually ended on Friday, October 21.

But luckily Auntie had two more installments planned to pay tribute to Mock The Week and its array of comics after the completion of series 21.

Titled The History of Mock The Week, the first part has already been broadcast, but on Friday (November 4), the second and final part will be aired.

Fans will need to tune in at 10pm on BBC2 to relive some of the best gags from the programme — including from regulars O'Briain and Hugh Dennis.

Why is Mock the Week ending?

Mock the Week is ending after 17 years (BBC)

It isn’t clear what was behind the BBC's motivation to end the popular show.

There have been different theories about possible money restraints and also the organisation looking to reign in programmes that could be deemed to breach its impartiality rules.

In its August statement announcing the news, the BBC said: “The next series of Mock The Week will be the last, we are really proud of the show but after 21 series we have taken the difficult decision in order to create room for new shows.

“We would like to thank Angst Productions, host Dara O'Briain, panellist Hugh Dennis and all the guest comedians involved in the show across the 21 series.”

O'Briain, who hails from County Wicklow in Ireland, joked that the UK had "run out of news" when the termination was announced.

Speaking before Liz Truss became the shortest serving British prime minister ever, the host said: "The storylines were getting crazier and crazier - global pandemics, divorce from Europe, novelty short-term prime ministers. It couldn't go on.

“And so, regretfully, we are closing the doors on Dara and Hugh's Academy for Baby Comedians. We just couldn't be more silly than the news was already."

Tweeting after the final episode aired last month, Robot Wars presenter O'Briain said: "That’s all folks!

"'History of Mock The Week' parts 1 and 2 will be on over the next two weeks, but there ends the most funny, energetic, sharp and silly of all the panel shows, I think.

"Huge thanks to all the comics, and production staff, who joined us and made it great."

Could Mock the Week be saved?

Dara O’Briain and Hugh Dennis fronted Mock the Week while it was on BBC (BBC/Angst Productions/Steve Brown)

It may not be the end for the show, as Angst Productions, the producers behind the programme, hinted at the future beyond the BBC.

They said: “We're naturally hugely disappointed that Mock The Week is coming to an end and hope that we will be able to resurface somewhere some day in the future.

“However, the last 17 years on BBC Two have been an absolute blast.

"It's been a great privilege to work closely with scores of truly incredible performers and we'd also like to take the opportunity to thank the BBC and all our many fans around the world for their support over the years.”

Comedian Richard Osman echoed this sentiment in a Twitter post, as he shared his hopes for a new broadcaster to take the reins.

Richard tweeted: “Respect to Dan Patterson and @daraobriain and the gang for 17 years of #MockTheWeek, with ratings strong 'til the very end.

“The BBC is running out of money for these sorts of shows. I would be shocked to my core if this doesn’t end up on Dave though.”

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