Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings

Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings

As a longtime fan of competitive shows and someone who has attended several live events, I must admit that my expectations for Ninja Warrior UK were sky-high. However, after reading about the recent debacle at the finals, I find myself profoundly disappointed – not just as a viewer, but as someone who understands the joy and excitement these events can bring to families.


ITV bosses have reportedly ‘axed Ninja Warrior’. 

Participants faced daring leaps, nearly insurmountable ascents, and the ultimate test: sprinting up a near-vertical incline in the demanding obstacle course.

But the success of another athletic show has reportedly been the cause of its demise.

According to The Sun, ITV was forced to terminate the airing of their show initially launched in 2015, due to the overwhelming success in viewership of the remake of Gladiators.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve always recognized that Ninja Warrior has been a staple for ITV, captivating audiences much like how Gladiators were once cherished. For many years now, it has successfully drawn in families who yearn for the thrill and excitement of such programs.

Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings

Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings

‘Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes, and Kammy made the series a big success.

‘But when the BBC revived Gladiators last year, it sounded the death knell for ITV’s ninjas. It was an absolute ratings champion, pulling in over six million viewers versus 1.6 million for Ninja Warrior’s last series in 2022.

They then confirmed that the decision to axe it ‘for good’ was made concrete. 

After receiving intense criticism from angry parents, the choice was made to cancel the show, following Chris Kamara’s trip to the finale of Ninja Warrior UK, where he waited for hours under sweltering 30-degree heat and witnessed merely 40 seconds of action on a TV screen.

After a break of three years, the popular ITV series, which is presented by Ben Shephard, Chris Kamara, and Rochelle Humes, has made its return.

However, many individuals criticized the Manchester event during its final in 2022, labeling it as a ‘chaotic mess’ and an ‘unfortunate day.’

The reaction turned negative following Chris Kamara’s tweet, urging more individuals to purchase tickets for the event.

He told his 1.8 million followers: ‘Still a few spaces left for the Grand Final of Ninja Warrior UK… come up to Manchester and join the brilliant fun’.

Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings
Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings
Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings

A parent expressed on Twitter: “Kammy, we’ve just left after waiting in line for four hours. Our children were deeply disappointed as they came to see a rope-climbing event, but nobody got to attempt it. All we could do was watch the climbers from a television screen.

A different user kindly requested: ‘Even though I understand it’s not your responsibility, could you lend a hand, if possible? They had high expectations for this and unfortunately, it turned out to be a terrible encounter.’

The sixth season of the show is back, drawing inspiration from a 25-year-old Japanese program called Sasuke. It features a fresh layout, where everyday participants compete against individuals referred to as ‘Ninjas’.

Upon its comeback, Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Chief of Entertainment Commissioning, stated that the program has been completely revamped, upgraded, and revitalized. It will retain the energy, thrill, and amusement required to make it an addictive must-watch on Saturday nights.

Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings
Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings

Following the conclusion of the event, Kamara encountered upset parents online, each voicing their dissatisfaction with the day’s events.

However, excitement quickly turned to disappointment.

One user tweeted: ‘Honestly it was an utter disgrace and my kids were heartbroken.

As a devoted enthusiast, I endured a painstaking wait of four long hours, only to catch a fleeting 40-second glimpse of the elusive rope climb that remained frustratingly obscured from view. My spirits are low, my wallet is lighter, and the entire day has been disappointingly squandered.

A person coming from Newcastle, who had covered approximately 130 miles, expressed their feelings as follows: “Today was far from great; it was terrible.

‘I drove 130 miles from Newcastle with my three children, endured a four-hour queue under scorching 29-degree heat, only to witness a brief 10-second rope-climbing event. It was an enormous misuse of our time. Disappointment all around.’

Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings
Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings
Iconic ITV show is AXED after a decade on air as competing show skyrockets in ratings

A representative from Potato, the creators of Ninja Warrior UK, expressed genuine disappointment: ‘We regret that a modest group of attendees at yesterday’s finale didn’t have an enjoyable time.’

In Ninja Warrior UK, the crowd plays a vital role as over 800 individuals show up for every recording session on a daily basis.

At Manchester Central, the dedicated Production Team, hosts, and employees put in a tremendous effort to create an exhilarating, pleasurable, and engaging event for spectators.

During the entire production process of this series, it’s clear that viewers have greatly appreciated spending time on the show.

Of course, we’re listening carefully to your feedback, and we’ll definitely consider it when planning for the future.

The makers have expressed sincere regret and pledged to collaborate closely with the team behind Ninja Warrior UK to tackle viewer concerns promptly.

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2024-11-08 06:06

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