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Gladiators axed
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Can you feel the power of the Gladiators? Um, not any more, actually. Two seasons after its reboot, the Sky1 show is being axed by new director of programmes Stuart Murphy.
"Gladiators has done a great job for Sky1 over two seasons, resonating with our young audience and showcasing our entertainment credentials,” said the new guy. “But now we need to prioritise and allow for both new entertainment formats and genres not recently seen on Sky1, such as comedy.”
Comedy, eh? We would’ve thought Glads fell into that category. But the Lycra-loving fighting show isn’t the only one that’s being shown the door. "I have also decided not to recommission Don't Forget the Lyrics for the same reasons,” added Murphy, whose first-year challenge is to get seven shows bringing in more than a million viewers each.
Murphy has also brought in former ITV controller of entertainment, Duncan Gray, as his new commissioning editor for entertainment. Gray, who has four years’ experience at American network ABC, left ITV after two years in March 2008.
"After a year in the wilderness, Duncan will be hungry for a hit show – and to show ITV what he's capable of," a source told industry mag Broadcast.
Said Murphy: "Duncan's reputation for big, ambitious entertainment is unrivalled and his appointment is testament to the aspirations for the channel as Sky1 celebrates its 20th year."
Gladiators, you will go (home) on my first whistle…
by Will Parkhouse, Thursday 21 May 2009
Sources: Broadcast, The Guardian
