Adam Rowe joined BBC Breakfast presenters Emma Vardy and Roger Johnson on the famous red sofa to discuss his thoughts on the cancellation of Live at the Apollo.
Adam Rowe shared his take on the cancellation of BBC’s Live at the Apollo(Image: BBC)
A comedian has shared his thoughts on the axe of BBC’s Live at the Apollo, arguing that comedy audiences still “need something”.
34-year-old stand-up comic Adam Rowe appeared on Sunday’s instalment of BBC Breakfast to discuss his career highlights at the Apollo.
Talking to news presenters Emma Vardy and Roger Johnson, Adam said he wasn’t “surprised” the BBC decided to let the show go.
However, he did mention that it would still be good to have a programme that showcases talent live on stage. He said: “It was a massive platform.
“I think it should still be there; I think there should be a home for British stand-up.” He later added: “We need something. We need something like ‘you can watch the best of British stand-up here’ and if it’s not going to be Live at the Apollo, it’s going to have to be an independent that does it online. Maybe YouTube or something.”
The star also added that Live at the Apollo introduced a whole “generation” into the world of stand-up comedy, adding: “It’s not going to be there now.”
After more than two decades, it was recently announced that Live at the Apollo has become the latest casualty of the broadcaster’s cost-cutting plans. The stand-up series, filmed at London’s iconic Hammersmith Apollo, will not return after its next run, the BBC has confirmed.
The decision forms part of wider savings measures as the corporation looks to reduce spending by hundreds of millions of pounds in the coming years. Describing the move as a “difficult decision”, BBC bosses paid tribute to the programme’s legacy, highlighting its role in introducing audiences to both established comedy stars and rising performers in a prime-time slot.
Since launching in 2004, Live at the Apollo has become one of the broadcaster’s most enduring entertainment shows. It has also provided a platform for countless stand-up comics and helped many of them rise to mainstream success.
Before the curtain falls, one final series will be recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo later this year, giving the long-running format a final send-off.
Despite the bad news, Live at the Apollo is not the only show to be affected by the changes. The BBC has also confirmed that Blankety Blank and Celebrity Mastermind have been dropped as part of the same round of cuts.
Part of an official statement from the BBC reads as follows: “We are incredibly proud of all three of these much-loved shows and would like to thank everyone involved, both in front of and behind the camera, for bringing them to screen and making them such a success over many years.”
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.