Russell Howard says it is a "shame" that 'Mock the Week' has been cancelled.
Russell Howard thinks a new version of Mock the Week is on the cards
The long-running BBC panel show is set to come to an end after 17 years and comedian Russell, 42, explained that it provided a breeding ground for new talent but assured up-and-coming stand-ups that his show 'The Russell Howard Hour' also does the same.
He said: "It's a shame because it's such a great place for comedic development, a gang show where you could dip your toe in the fierce waters of TV comedy like I did. There are still spaces out there, like my show, where people who are great live can develop on TV."
The Sky One star went on to explain that several fellow funnymen had their start on his show which was formerly titled 'Russell Howard's Good News' and predicted that the BBC will announce a new version of 'Mock the Week' in the next year.
He told Metro newspaper's SixtySeconds column: "We had Romesh Ranganathan, Ed Gamble, and James Acaster giving their first performances on my show 'Good News'. You need that space for up-and-coming comics but I imagine they will announce a new one in six months."
In August the BBC explained that while it was "proud" of the panel show - which offers a satirical look at current events - it will end after its 21st series in order to make room for new shows.
In a statement, the BBC said: "We are really proud of the show but after 21 series we have taken the difficult decision in order to create room for new shows."
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