BBC cancels long-running film show

The broadcaster is exploring new formats for its arts coverage

(l-r) Barry Norman, Claudia Winkleman, and Jonathan Ross (Rex Features/Getty)

The BBC's long-running review programme the Film Show has been cancelled, as the broadcaster explores possible new formats for film criticism.

Film 2018 will mark the final instalment of the show, which began in 1971. Barry Norman initially hosted the show for 26 years, followed by Jonathan Ross for 11, before Claudia Winkleman took over for a six-year stint.

After Winkelman left in 2016, the show has since been presented by a string of guest hosts, including Zoe Ball, Edith Bowman, Clara Amfo, and Charlie Brooker.

A new show for film news and reviews is currently being considered by the BBC, as the corporation changes its approach to arts coverage.

The end of the Film Show was first reported by the Radio Times, which announced the planned changes. The BBC is yet to confirm the nature of any new-look film show.

A spokesperson for the corporation said: "We are constantly looking at how we present the arts to ensure we are serving all audiences in the best way possible.

"In 2019 we will be creating an enhanced offer for lovers of film both on television and online which will be a more consistent approach across the year and will replace the Film Show. We're still working through the details and will have more news about what this will look like soon."

"Those interested in film can also watch and listen to other film-programming across the BBC; from BBC News's weekly The Film Review and Radio 4's The Film Programme and film features on Front Row, Radio 3's Sound Of Cinema, to Mark Kermode's Secrets Of Cinema on BBC Four - which is back at Christmas, where he will celebrate one of the most perennial of all genres: the Christmas movie."

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