The BBC has announced it is axing three of its popular shows as part of a major £500 million cost-cutting initiative, and viewers have been left divided as the news went public11:46, 30 Jul 2026Three of the BBC's most popular TV shows are set to disappear from screens, with the corporation confirming on Wednesday (29 July) that it is pulling the plug on Live at the Apollo, Blankety Blank and Celebrity Mastermind. The decision marks the end of an era for the beloved stand-up showcase Live at the Apollo, which has been a staple of British comedy television for 22 years.‌Bradley Walsh's Blankety Blank revival, which returned to screens in 2021 after decades away, will also be no more, while Celebrity Mastermind - the charity spin-off of the classic quiz show hosted by Clive Myrie - has been cancelled after an impressive 24 series. Fans of the standard edition need not worry, however, as the original civilian version of Mastermind will continue to air.‌The axings form part of an extensive cost-cutting drive by BBC Content to slash £500 million over the coming three years. Executives are aiming for at least £100 million in yearly recurring savings, which will eventually cut original television output by 100 to 150 hours across the broadcaster.‌Falling audiences also had a significant influence on the decisions. Live at the Apollo plummeted from 1.3 million viewers in 2018 to approximately 660,000 for its most recent series.Meanwhile, Celebrity Mastermind tumbled from an average of 4 million viewers in 2017 to 1.7 million.‌Blankety Blank similarly dropped from 5.5 million viewers during its 2021 debut to 2.3 million.BBC audiences have been voicing their views about the programmes being axed since the announcement, with numerous people heading to Reddit to share their thoughts - and it appears opinions are deeply divided.One commented: "Live at the Apollo is a shame but it really has suffered the last few years with some truly terrible choices for acts."‌Meanwhile, another viewer commented: "Honestly didn't know it was still going."A third added: "Apollo has dropped off; most comics are on TikTok and YouTube first, and their shows are often televised or sell out at arena. Don't see the point of the BBC paying loads for what is essentially a stand up show."‌Another concurred: "Live at the Apollo used to be on the top of my watch list. Now we're flooded with comedian's standup, either in segments (YoTube or TikTok) or full hour-long specials nearly every week."It's also tucked away at 10pm on a mid week day. Most in bed or watching other things (ratings suggest the news) so not ideal."One viewer remarked: "I thought Love at the Apollo could be cheap (it's essentially hard cam at comedy gig) but I can't remember the last time I watched it. Other two are very dated too."‌Another fan stated: "I won't miss blankety blank, but Apollo is a shame. It used to be really good and introduced some great acts in its day but it had really dropped off."I'm surprised by Celebrity Mastermind as it must cost peanuts to make, it must really not be getting enough viewers to make it worth cancelling."Someone else also revealed they "loved" Celebrity Mastermind, with another viewer agreeing: "Same, really sad about that one."Article continues belowAccording to reports, both Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Mastermind still have one final completed series remaining that will broadcast before they disappear from screens permanently.Further cost-cutting announcements across the BBC's content divisions are anticipated in the months ahead, the corporation has confirmed.