BBC Two's long-running comedy panel show Mock the Week is to conclude after 17 years, the broadcaster has confirmed. The upcoming eighth series, airing this autumn, will be the final one, bringing the total to 21 series and over 200 episodes.
Host Dara Ó Briain said: 'That's it folks, the UK has finally run out of news. The storylines were getting crazier and crazier – global pandemics, divorce from Europe, novelty short-term prime ministers. It couldn't go on.' He added: 'Huge thanks to all our guests over the years, so many of whom went on to huge successes of their own, and never write or call. It was a joy!'
The show, which first aired in June 2005, featured regular panellist Hugh Dennis and launched the careers of comedians such as Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican, Kevin Bridges, John Bishop and Rhod Gilbert. Other notable contributors included Frankie Boyle, Rory Bremner and Russell Howard.
A BBC spokesperson said: 'We are really proud of the show but after 21 series we have taken the difficult decision in order to create room for new shows.' The production company Angst Productions expressed disappointment but thanked the BBC and fans, hinting at a possible future return.
The final episodes will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this autumn.
