Crimewatch has been axed by the BBC after 33 years on air.

 

The corporation will no longer make the crime-solving show and will instead increase the number of episodes it makes of daytime programme Crimewatch Roadshow.

 

Falling viewing figures are believed to be behind the decision. Recent episodes went up against popular dramas Cold Feet and Broadchurch.

Crimewatch was famously presented for more than two decades by Nick Ross, who would sign off the show with the line, "Don't have nightmares, do sleep well."

 

In 1999, the programme's presenter Jill Dando was shot dead on her doorstep, in a crime that remains unsolved.

 

In its most recent incarnation, Crimewatch was hosted by Jeremy Vine and Tina Dahely.

 

The news is likely to disappoint police forces, which have achieved numerous breakthroughs over the years via the the show's appeals and reconstructions.

 

It is credited with identifying the the killers of toddler James Bulger, and helping catch the murderer of mother and daughter Lin and Megan Russell who were killed as they walked home from school in a Kent village.

 

The BBC said Crimewatch Roadshow, which airs on weekday mornings, would continue to do important work.

 

A spokesman said: “We believe the successful Crimewatch Roadshow format in daytime is the best fit for the brand going forward and we will increase the number of episodes to make two series a year.

 

"We are incredibly proud of Crimewatch and the great work it has done over the years and the work Crimewatch Roadshow will continue to do, and this move will also allow us to create room for new innovative programmes in peak time on BBC One.”

 

Despite the last revamped series being absolutely AWFUL, it's a real shame to see Crimewatch gone! I'm actually quite surprised too given it's a bit of an institution. At least it will carry on in some form with Crimewatch Roadshow but still not the same </3

It does seem a shame that it's gone in it's traditional format (I mean who actually watches this daytime roadshow thing?!) but I can't imagine many people wanting to watch a show about real life crimes as a way to wind down in the evening nowadays so it doesn't come as a huge surprise to me. RIP Crimewatch </3

Oh wow. It’s been such an institution on the beeb. It’s a bit of a shock to see it cancelled

I think the official line is that it has been reimagined as not going forward.

 

#W1A

The fact is this is about identifying what the BBC do best and finding more ways of doing less of it better

The fact is this is about identifying what the BBC do best and finding more ways of doing less of it better

:D

In seriousness, the show is possibly a bit more redundant in the internet/social media age. Perhaps it could have been moved to the BBC News Channel and then use social media to highlight the cases though?

Another long running show of Britain gone, like Top Of The Pops and Grange Hill.