'The Great Pottery Throwdown' has been axed by the BBC.

Sara Cox

Sara Cox

The televised pottery contest, which was hosted by Sara Cox, drew audiences of up to 3.4 million an episode when it last aired in March 2017 and was the most popular programme to air on BBC2.

But according to sources, the BBC have decided to cancel the show, in what is reportedly a revenge move after Love Productions - the team behind the programme - took their hit baking show 'The Great British Bake Off' to its new home on Channel 4 last year.

A source told The Sun's bizarre TV column: "They're not thinking about the viewers in making this decision, it's just a way to get revenge after what happened with Bake Off.

"And they have deliberately dragged their heels until the last possible moment and then told show bosses they are ending it.

"Nobody is in any doubt over why they've done it. It's a real shame."

The show debuted on BBC2 in 2015 before it was renewed for a second series in 2017, and saw contestants battle it out to create the very best pottery masterpieces.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Whilst we are proud of The Great Pottery Throwdown and very grateful to everyone involved in the two series, we sometimes have to take difficult decisions in order to make room for new shows."

The decision comes after the BBC also made the move to drop another of Love Productions' show, 'Junior Bake Off' - a spin-off of 'GBBO' - which is now in talks to be joining its parent programme on Channel 4.

'Junior Bake Off' ran on BBC children's channel CBBC in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016, with the most recent series airing two months after Love Productions made the move to the rival broadcaster.

A source said: "Channel 4 has really made 'Bake Off' their own.

"They believe they can turn 'Junior Bake Off' from a show meant to keep your kids quiet into compelling, adorable viewing.

"Plus, it will be a great platform for the culinary stars of tomorrow and inspire families to experiment in the kitchen."


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