Channel 4 axe Alan Carr’s Chatty Man talk show after 16 series – because he was struggling to compete with Graham Norton
THE star is now focusing on new show Alan Carr’s Happy Hour, set to air 8pm on Fridays later this year
CHANNEL 4 have axed Alan Carr’s Chatty Man talk show after 16 series.
The comic told how he was “moving on” after struggling to compete with rival shows hosted by Graham Norton and Jonathan Ross.
His offering lagged in the ratings with two million viewers — half of Norton’s regular 3.9 million on the BBC.
Speaking at the launch of his new book, Alanatomy, he said: “I just think that the art of the chat show has evolved unless you can get the amazing guests all the time that Norton gets.
“I’ll be honest with you, I don’t think moving it to a Thursday was the best move.
“It feels like a party show, a Friday show.
“Three guests a week and Channel 4, God love ’em, extended it to 30 episodes — that’s 90 guests who are relevant and people are interested in, up against the amazing Norton and Jonathan Ross.
“I’ve gone as far as I can with Chatty Man.
“Won a BAFTA, won two NTAs.”
He admitted guests demanding certain subjects are off limits caused problems.
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He said: “If they told me not to ask about something I always found a way to try to bring it up.
“But if you mention it, the publicist is straight in the gallery shouting, ‘take it out’.
“So I’m f***** and up s**t creek without a paddle.”
The star is now focusing on new show Alan Carr’s Happy Hour, which is set to air 8pm on Fridays later this year, focusing on sketches, stunts and games with celebrity guests.
He said: “It’s a Friday show, fun.
“The venue is absolutely amazing, it’s not a TV studio.
“I’m involved with my own production company so I’ve got a say.”