Alison Hammond and Vernon Kay's quiz show 'canned'

17 April 2023

Alison Hammond and Vernon Kay's 'Friends Like These' reboot has reportedly been shelved.

Alison Hammond had been due to host a reboot of quiz shoe Friends Like These with Vernon Kay

The pair had been due to front a new version of the BBC gameshow - which originally ran from 2000 until 2003 - and they even got together to film a pilot episode last month but The Sun newspaper now reports the project has been canned because TV bosses were worried there might not be a place for it in the schedule.

A source told the publication: "Bringing back 'Friends Like These' seemed a no-brainer but bosses felt it wasn’t the right time, as the light entertainment schedule is just so packed.

“It’s no reflection on either Alison or Vernon, who did a sterling job as hosts. There’s hope it could be reignited further down the line."

Neither Alison or Vernon will be left short of work though - the former 'Big Brother' star has just landed a new role hosting 'The Great British Bake Off' while Vernon has taken over Ken Bruce's slot on BBC Radio 2.

'Friends Like These' first aired as a one-off episode in 1999 before returning as a full series the following year. It was originally hosted by Ant and Dec before footballer-turned-TV pundit Ian Wright took over.

The format featured two groups of friends competing in challenges in a bid to win a holiday. It spawned a series of celebrity specials which saw the cast of BBC soap 'EastEnders' take on the actors of medical drama 'Holby City' while pop groups Steps and Damage also competed against each other.