BBC Three controller Stuart Murphy has axed Liquid News after four years, it has been confirmed today,
The entertainment news programme began life as Zero 30 on BBC News 24 before being transferred to a daily primetime slot BBC Choice. The show was revamped after orginal presenter Christopher Price died suddenly from a rare brain disease in 2002 but ratings have remained lacklustre ever since.
"I'm really proud of what Liquid News has achieved in the four years it has been on air," said Murphy. "During that time it had passion and irreverence for celebrity in equal measure, and brought the smiles of pain and amusement to those either side of the celebrity divide. However, BBC THREE is a constantly evolving channel and tough decisions have to be made to ensure it constantly refreshes its output to better serve the audience."
Current presenters Paddy O'Connell and Claudia Winkleman will front the show through to its end in April 2004.
The entertainment news programme began life as Zero 30 on BBC News 24 before being transferred to a daily primetime slot BBC Choice. The show was revamped after orginal presenter Christopher Price died suddenly from a rare brain disease in 2002 but ratings have remained lacklustre ever since.
"I'm really proud of what Liquid News has achieved in the four years it has been on air," said Murphy. "During that time it had passion and irreverence for celebrity in equal measure, and brought the smiles of pain and amusement to those either side of the celebrity divide. However, BBC THREE is a constantly evolving channel and tough decisions have to be made to ensure it constantly refreshes its output to better serve the audience."
Current presenters Paddy O'Connell and Claudia Winkleman will front the show through to its end in April 2004.
