BBC flop The Greatest Dancer axed as Simon Cowell’s show fails to improve ratings

IT was Simon Cowell’s first project with the BBC and Cheryl Tweedy’s telly comeback — but now The Greatest Dancer is no more.

I am told that after weeks of consideration, Beeb bosses have finally axed the dance show which also starred Strictly’s Oti Mabuse and Glee’s Matthew Morrison.

It comes just over a month since I told it was on the chopping block and only had a stay of execution because the TV world had ground to a halt due to the Covid-19 crisis.

A TV source said: “The writing was on the wall a while back.

“Now the BBC and everyone involved has decided enough is enough and they’ve binned it.

“Critics liked it and it pulled in a younger audience. But the cost of the big production for the ratings the show delivered was too much.”

The show, featuring Cheryl and Oti as “dance captains”, struggled against The Voice on Saturday night prime time.

It pulled in just 2.8million viewers for its final episode — prompting bosses to tell staff who worked on it that they should make alternative plans as it wouldn’t be coming back.

At times, the programme was even beaten by long-running BBC drama Casualty.

Producers had hoped that the series, hosted by Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo, would not end up on the scrapheap of prime time shows such as DanceX and So You Think You Can Dance.

A BBC spokesman confirmed: “Whilst there are no plans for a further series, we are proud of the show and would like to thank everyone involved.”

The BBC’s search for ­something as big as Strictly Come Dancing goes on.

Joe lies it

Joe Lycett thinks he’s on the Great British sewing beach as he gets into a holiday- themed edition of his BBC1 programme.

The clothesmakers in tonight’s show must make outfits they would normally wear in hotter climes.

And Great British Sewing Bee host Joe threw himself into the spirit of things by mounting the fabric room’s table with a beach towel and a beach ball.

In those glasses the contestants would be forgiven for thinking the theme was Elton John.

Adios to sitcom bar idea

First his ITV show Benidorm was axed, then his BBC1 series Scarborough was given the chop after one series.

Now it looks like writer Derren Litten’s latest project has also been scuppered – thanks to coronavirus.

According to Loose Women panellist Sherrie Hewson, who played Joyce Temple-Savage in Benidorm, Derren had an unusual plan for a Benidorm-inspired venture.

She said: “He was going to set up a karaoke bar in Benidorm and fill it with memorabilia.

“It was going to be everything from the Benidorm shows – all the props and all the photos.

“I wish that he had done it when I was over there and the cast were over there.

“But Spain went into lockdown before he had a chance to open it and who knows if it will happen now.”

Fingers crossed.

It's John to roast

John Torode looked like a bit of “flaming galah”, as they say in his ­Aussie homeland.

The MasterChef host set light to one of his tea towels as he did a cookery section on yesterday’s This Morning.

And he only noticed when presenters Phillip ­Schofield and Holly ­Willoughby pointed it out.

Phil said: “John – your cooker’s on fire, your tea towel is on fire. Behind you!”

Fortunately the chef quickly put out the blaze, leaving him with a charred towel and singed pride.

Too Hot To Handle

Netflix dating show Too Hot To Handle is set to get a special follow-up episode after the first series proved a huge ratings success.

Creator Talkback, which also makes ITV programmes Harry’s Heroes and Celebrity Juice, have already been given the green light – and shooting could start within weeks.

Cast members are said to be up for a one-off about their experiences to explain where they are now and how the series has changed them.

A TV insider said: “The cast have been approached and everyone is really excited about letting fans know how they’re getting on.

“Netflix always hoped it would be a success with its unique take on a dating show, but lockdown across the world means the ratings have been really impressive.

“Doing a follow-up special was a no-brainer.”