BBC cites financial pressures as it axes Autumnwatch

Popular wildlife television programme, Autumnwatch, has been cancelled by the BBC due to financial pressures.

The national broadcaster cited "challenging times financially" as the reason behind its decision to axe the show, which most recently aired in late October and early November 2022.

Autumnwatch has been an annual fixture for the past 17 years and is hosted by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke and Iolo Williams.

However, the BBC has reassured viewers that it will instead be investing more in sister programmes Springwatch and Winterwatch.

Autumnwatch, which is presented by (left to right) Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke and Iolo Williams, has been cancelled after 17 years (BBC).

The broadcaster said in a statement: "These are challenging times financially and we need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact.

"Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, as they are most popular with audiences.

"We are incredibly proud of the Watches and would like to thank the presenters and production team who will continue on Springwatch when it returns in May for three weeks, and Winterwatch when it returns next year for one week, reduced from two weeks."