CHANNEL 4 has decided to axe the high-profile show “Naked Attraction,” among several other titles, as part of cost-cutting measures. The controversial dating series, which revolves around individuals choosing a partner based solely on their naked appearance, has garnered significant attention since its debut. However, it seems the show’s future hangs in the balance, at least for the time being.
According to a report by The Mail on Sunday, “Naked Attraction,” along with “Scared Of The Dark Rescue: Extreme Medics” and “Four Weddings,” will be pulled from the airwaves. Additionally, Channel 4 plans to reduce the length of the next series of “The Last Leg,” hosted by Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe, and Alex Brooker.
While there is a possibility that some of the shows may return in the future, potentially in a scaled-down format, Channel 4 has announced that “Naked Attraction” will make a comeback next year instead of its anticipated filming schedule for this year.
An insider revealed to The Mail on Sunday that the motive behind these cancellations stems from the channel’s cost-saving objectives. “Everyone is calling it a Channel 4 bloodbath,” the insider said. “At first, everyone was in total shock when Four Weddings was cancelled. It’s almost unheard of that a show that is going really well is decommissioned, but as news started to spread, other shows were falling down too.”
The source further disclosed that the casting team for “Naked Attraction” had already been assembled but was abruptly informed that they were no longer required for another series. The decision to halt production left many stunned within the industry.
Responding to these developments, a spokesman for Channel 4 expressed the network’s concern for the independent production sector, stating, “Channel 4 cares deeply about the Indie community and our wider supply chain of freelancers. They are the beating heart of our business.” The network emphasized its commitment to financial sustainability while acknowledging the short-term impact on some stakeholders.
The spokesman added, “The Executive Directors have already made the decision to defer retention payments and earlier this year declined a salary rise as part of a wider response to a very difficult ad-market in Q2, which is affecting all commercial broadcasters.”
Regarding the future of “Naked Attraction,” Channel 4 clarified that the show has not been permanently decommissioned and assured fans that a new series will return next year. The network also praised the success of “Scared Of The Dark,” citing its impressive viewership figures on linear television and streaming platforms.
Channel 4 maintains that while the cancellations are a necessary response to the current downturn in the advertising market, the vast majority of their shows remain unaffected. The network aims to strike a balance between financial prudence and continued support for the UK’s independent production industry.
As viewers and industry professionals await further updates, the fate of “Naked Attraction” and other canceled shows remains uncertain, leaving fans to wonder if they will ever see these programs back on their screens.
