'Autumnwatch' has been cancelled after 18 years on air.

BBC axes Autumnwatch after 18 years on air

BBC axes Autumnwatch after 18 years on air

The BBC has made the "difficult decision" to scrap its seasonal wildlife programme - which is currently presented by Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan and documents nature during the latter months of the year - almost two decades after it was first aired but the broadcaster but explained that its more "popular" counterparts 'Springwatch' and 'Winterwatch' will continue to be produced.

In a statement, the BBC said: "These are challenging times financially and we need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact. Sadly, this means that 'Autumnwatch' will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into 'Springwatch' and 'Winterwatch', as they are most popular with audiences."

The show began as a one-off special in 2005 before going to a full series the following year and the broadcaster went on to add that it is "incredibly proud" of the 'Watches' series and thanked its long list of presenters from over the years - which included the likes of Kate Humble, Gillian Burke, Megan McCubbin, and Iolo Williams - before revealing that 'Springwatch' will return to screens next year but on a reduced run of a single week as opposed to a fortnight.

The statement added: "We are incredibly proud of the Watches and would like to thank the presenters and production team who will continue on 'Springwatch' when it returns in May for three weeks, and Winterwatch when it returns next year for one week, reduced from two weeks."

News of the cancellation comes just weeks after Chris - who has fronted the 'Watches' series since 2009 – announced that he had axed his upcoming TV work after suffering from burnout and is taking a break for the next few months so he can pursue a career as an animal sculptor.

He said: "I want to get off the treadmill, [I feel] a bit burnt out. I'm not going to buy a Ferrari and run off with a 20-year-old! I've never taken three months off work. Never. I can barely sleep I am so excited. I might have to ban [partner] Charlotte from the studio. "I don't want any interference or disruption, I want to get on with it. It will be good to clear my head and focus on something completely different."

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