Sue Perkins' 'The Big Spell' has been axed after just one series.

Sue Perkins

Sue Perkins

The 47-year-old television presenter fronted the Sky 1 kids game show - which saw 20 children aged nine to 13 take part in he ultimate spelling competition - but she will not be returning to screens alongside her co-stars Moira Stewart and Joe Lycett, as the show has been cancelled after receiving poor ratings.

According to The Sun newspaper, a mere 160,000 people tuned in to see 11-year-old Alex from Essex be crowed the victor in the final episode.

A source told the publication: "It just didn't work out, sadly. The ratings weren't amazing and while everyone involved thought the show was decent enough, they felt it was best to leave it as it is.

"Sue is in talks with Sky about other projects - particularly on the comedy and entertainment front."

And a spokesperson for the television company confirmed there are "no plans" to bring a second series of 'The Big Spell' to the channel.

They said: "There are no plans for the Big Spell to return to Sky 1 currently. We would like to thank Sue, Joe, Moira and all of the brilliant kids who took part for creating some great family-friendly entertainment."

Meanwhile, the former 'Great British Bake Off' host - who left the show when it moved from BBC to Channel 4 last year - was recently announced as the host of the Virgin TV BAFTAs, which take place at London's Royal Festival Hall next month and will be aired on BBC One.

She said about her role: "I am thrilled to be hosting the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards this year Not only is it one of the highlights of the television calendar, it's also a superbly fun night and an opportunity to celebrate the incredible British talent we have behind our very best TV programmes."


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