ITV2's boss has suggested they could phase out shows like 'Celebrity Juice'.
Keith Lemon
Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, Paul Mortimer, branded panel shows like Keith Lemon's "old fashioned" and admitted they are "not really looking for studio-based entertainment shows".
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, he said: "They are as old as television if you think about it, we reinvent them, from 'Shooting Stars' through to 'Celebrity Juice', they’re nothing like the panel show of old.
"It’s one of those where the host greets you, you know what you’re going to get, you’re introduced to this week's panel and at the end of the episode they wave goodbye and it’s, 'see you next week'.
"That’s old grammar, that’s old language. It’s not the way to talk to younger audiences. It also makes closed episodic content like that missable."
Paul admitted they want to draw in younger audiences with gripping dramas instead.
According to The Sun TV, he added: "If there’s a hook at the end of a great drama and you desperately need to see episode two and you don’t want to wait, make it available and give it to audiences in the way they have come to expect things.
"Younger audiences want everything quickly, fast fashion, fast food and they want fast TV now."
Paul hinting at the uncertain future of 'Celebrity Juice' comes after host Keith shared his fears that the long-running comedy show might be axed.
The programme has been left off the broadcaster's autumn schedule for the first time since 2009, and Keith has joked that it might be time he started looking for a "real job".
The 47-year-old funnyman - whose real name is Leigh Francis - said in June: "It’s not on again this year, which is sad. Will it be back again? Who knows?
"I might have to get a real job. Hopefully we’ll be back next year. If not, it’s been a good ride and we’ve had a good time."
'Celebrity Juice' has had 25 series since it began in 2008 and was ITV2's most-watched show at one point in time.
And even though the ratings have dipped in recent years, ITV insisted it will return to TV screens.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster said: "'Celebrity Juice' will be back on ITV2 later in the year."
Holly Willoughby quit her role on 'Celebrity Juice' last year.
The blonde beauty - who served as a team captain on the comedy show for 12 years - announced the news via a heartfelt Instagram post.
Alongside a series of throwback photos, she wrote: "Thank you @celebjuiceofficial for 12 years of fantastic chaos... I can’t quite believe what we’ve done and how quick that time has gone. Thank you to you all for watching..we’ve always had the loudest and best audiences. Also a huge thank you to @itv2 for believing in the show in the first place and for all of your support (sic)"
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