BBC axes beloved celebrity talk show after eight series – as broadcaster pays tribute to ‘hardworking’ host and admits cancellation was ‘a difficult decision’

The BBC has axed a fan-favourite talk show after eight series on air as bosses paid tribute to its ‘hardworking’ host.

Launching in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, the show saw famous faces speak about their favorite books and their recommendations for viewers.

Between The Covers was presented by Sara Cox and racked up 50 episodes across eight series.

However, the BBC has now confirmed there will not be a ninth instalment of the show in a blow to fans.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster said: ‘After eight series we have made the difficult decision to bring Between the Covers to an end to enable us to prioritise high-impact content that drives viewers to iPlayer.

‘We would like to thank Sara Cox and all the team at Cactus TV for their hard work bringing Between The Covers to our screens.’

The BBC has axed a fan-favourite talk show after eight series on air as bosses paid tribute to its ‘hardworking’ host

Between The Covers was presented by Sara Cox and racked up 50 episodes across eight series, however it won’t return for a ninth instalment

A spokesperson for the broadcaster said: ‘After eight series we have made the difficult decision to bring Between the Covers to an end to enable us to prioritise high-impact content that drives viewers to iPlayer’

Sara, 50, has yet to publicly address the end of her show, which boasted an impressive IMDb score of 7.5/10.

Previous series of Between The Covers are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Stars who recently appeared on the show include Sir Trevor McDonald, Graham Norton, Richard Osman and Alex Jones.

Meanwhile, BBC bosses have also axed the critically acclaimed drama This Town after just one series.

The show, created by Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight, 66, was generally well-received by critics and viewers alike, and won praise for its portrayal of the 1980s, its music, and compelling storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of Birmingham and Coventry, the series featured music from legendary local bands including UB40 and The Specials. 

It followed an extended family and four young people drawn into the explosive and iconic music scene of the early ’80s.

Steven had hoped This Town would follow in the footsteps of Peaky Blinders and become his next big hit.

Meanwhile, BBC bosses have also axed the critically acclaimed drama This Town after just one series in a blow to fans 

The show, created by Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight, 66, was generally well-received by critics and viewers alike, and won praise for its portrayal of the 1980s (Steven pictured in February) 

When the first series aired in March last year, he made no secret of wanting to continue the story, saying: ‘I certainly have enough ideas for more episodes going forward.

He added at the time: ‘I hope we are with these characters for a long time to come’, however, the BBC has decided not to renew the series.

A BBC spokesman told The Sun: ‘We’re hugely grateful to Steven Knight and the cast and crew for bringing This Town to life — in no small part due to Steven’s passion for the West Midlands.

‘We look forward to working with him on new projects in the future, and we’re in talks about what’s next.’