BBC puts away Crimewatch after 33 years

AFTER 33 years on air, Crimewatch has been axed by the BBC.

The corporation will no longer make the crime-solving show and will instead increase the number of episodes it makes of the daytime programme Crimewatch Roadshow.

Falling viewing figures are believed to be behind the decision after recent episodes went up against popular dramas such as Cold Feet and Broadchurch.

The show was famously presented by Nick Ross for more than two decades, who would sign off the show with the line: “Don’t have nightmares, do sleep well”.

In 1999, Jill Dando, the programme’s then presenter, was shot dead on her doorstep in a crime that remains unsolved.

In its most recent incarnation, Crimewatch was hosted by Jeremy Vine and Tina Daheley.

The news is likely to disappoint police forces, which have achieved numerous breakthroughs over the years via the show’s appeals and reconstructions.

It is credited with identifying the killers of toddler James Bulger, and helping catch the murderer of mother and daughter Lin and Megan Russell who were killed as they walked home from school in a Kent village.

The BBC said Crimewatch Roadshow, which airs on weekday mornings, would continue to do important

‘We are incredibly proud of Crimewatch and the great work it has achieved’

work.

A spokesman said: “We believe the successful Crimewatch Roadshow format in daytime is the best fit for the brand going forward and we will increase the number of episodes to make two series a year.

“We are incredibly proud of Crimewatch and the great work it has achieved over the years and the work Crimewatch Roadshow will continue to do. This move will create room for new innovative programmes at peak times on BBC One.”