Popular comedian confirms his hit BBC comedy has been AXED after just two series
- Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected]
Much loved comedian Romesh Ranganathan has confirmed his hit BBC comedy series Avoidance has been 'axed' after just two series.
The presenter is well known for his work on the comedy series Rob & Romesh Vs..., The Weakest Link, and Asian Provocateur.
However, the star has now revealed that his hit show Avoidance, which first broadcast in June 2022, will sadly not be returning for a series three.
He also revealed that the show is taking inspiration from another beloved BBC series, in terms of how long it would be on air.
Speaking to Tom Davis on his podcast, the comedian said: 'Thankfully the commissioners have taken care of that for me.'
Much loved comedian Romesh Ranganathan reportedly confirmed his hit BBC comedy series Avoidance has been 'axed' after just two series
The presenter is well known for his work on the comedy series Rob & Romesh Vs..., The Weakest Link (pictured on the show), and Asian Provocateur
To which Tom replied with: 'How come you didn’t do a third series of that sitcom?' and Romesh responded with: 'Oh cause we just thought the story was told.'
He continued: 'We’re following the Office model – just like two and done.'
The BBC sitcom aired for a six-episode series as well as Christmas specials - which were highly acclaimed.
The drama series Fawlty Towers also followed suit by calling it a day after two series and 12 episodes.
Romesh plays the lead character Jonathan in the sitcom and also helped write the programme.
Avoidance's cast also includes Jessica Knappett, 39, in the role of Jonathan's ex-wife Claire, while series two welcomed in exciting additions to the ensemble.
Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis, 35, who played fan favourite Neville Longbottom, joined the show as a character named Brett.
Meanwhile, Irish comedian Aisling Bea, 40, took on the role of Megan during the later episodes.
The star has now revealed that his hit show Avoidance, which first broadcast in June 2022, will sadly not be returning for a series three (pictured with Jessica Knappett on the show)
Further newcomers to the cast included Louise Ford, Olivia Tennant, Alex Ranganathan, Paula Wilcox, and Michael Spicer.
The BBC declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.
The news comes after the Radio 2 star opened up about his mental health as he explained helping others to deal with their own issues motivated him to take part in the London Marathon earlier this year.
The comedian has been left suicidal in the past having been through some incredibly turbulent times.
He challenged himself to run the Marathon in aid of mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
The BAFTA award winner has been a patron of the charity since October 2023 after revealing his own battle.
Speaking to Gabby Logan on BBC Sport ahead of the race, Romesh explained his motivation for running.
He said: 'I've talked about it a few times, I came close to taking my own life in the past and it's something I feel strongly about in terms of mental health issues.'
'And Calm is a really great charity for raising awareness and so it was both about raising the money and just raising the awareness of the work that they do, so that's why I'm running.'
The comedian said: 'Thankfully the commissioners have taken care of that for me' and admitted he thought the 'story was told' (pictured with Jessica and Matthew Lewis)
He also revealed that the show is taking inspiration from beloved BBC series The Office, in terms of how long it would be on air (Ricky Gervais and Ewen Macintosh pictured on the series)
Romesh added that he would be matching the money donated, saying: 'And, I do want to say, whatever donations I get I'm going to match them.'
He then hurriedly added: 'To a limit obviously, I don't want to lose my house over this.'
Gabby asked: 'What's your limit?' causing the comic to admit: 'I don't know, let's just see what happens!'
The sports presenter cheekily teased: 'Did you say a million to me before?' causing Romesh to laugh and quickly deny: 'No Gabby I didn't say that!'
Last February, Romesh admitted he has regularly thought about taking his own life due to a 'horrific' voice in his head.
Appearing on The Diary of a CEO podcast, he discussed the challenges he's faced throughout his life while adding that they have provided him with endless material for his sell-out shows.
During the intimate conversation, Romesh said: 'I was thinking about taking my own life regularly, and I'd fantasise about it...'
'I think that all comedians are wired slightly differently. They've had something happen to them that has made them an outsider in some way.'
It comes after Romesh previously opened up about his mental health as he explained helping others to deal with their own issues motivated him to take part in the London Marathon
Speaking on his successful career as a comedian, he said: 'I'm addicted to doing stand-up. And it makes me better at everything.'
'But... I've got this inner voice that is horrific. It will say, "You're not a very good Dad, you're not a very good husband."
'I had a run of about six-panel shows, and I was in a really bad place, and I turned up to each one of them with the steadfast belief that I was sh*t at this'
When asked what happens when it goes wrong on stage, he added: 'It's horrible. That silence… That never gets easier, man.'
'But you learn more from those gigs. I just need to do the best I possibly can at this gig, I'm not in control of anything that happens after that.'
He concluded 'Don't think about this goal down the line that you're trying to get to. Do this thing brilliantly, and if you love what you do and you do that, you're on a good path.'
