The BBC have been inundated with complaints over their decision to axe Flog It!.
The daytime antiques show is set to be taken off air next March after 17 years on screen but upset viewers have been bombarding the broadcaster with calls, urging them to rethink their decision.
However, programming chiefs are staying resolute as they are keen to introduce new shows to the time slot.
Read more: Flog It! axed after 17 years as BBC aims to “modernise” daytime
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: “From the moment they announced its axing the phone lines have been full with people ringing up to complain.
“They’ve obviously got a very loyal fan base and people are extremely sad to see it go.
“Bosses didn’t expect such an outcry after the announcement. They are hoping it dies down and viewers can look forward to new programmes which will fill the schedule.”
There will be new episodes of the programme broadcast before it comes to an end, but six new shows will air in its place later in 2019, while host Paul Martin has other work in the pipeline, including game show Make Me A Dealer, which will pit two amateur antiques enthusiasts against each other to make the most money at auction.
A spokesperson said: “Flog It! has been an important part of the schedule and there will be new episodes next year but we’ve now been able to make room for six new commissions which we’re looking forward to sharing with viewers shortly.
“We’ll also be working with Paul Martin on some other programmes.”
After it was announced the show was to be axed, BBC controller of daytime and programming Dan McGolphin praised the BBC1 series as a “huge success” but insisted it was necessary to make changes to appeal to a new generation of viewers.
He said: “If we’re trying to create the new generation then some of the long-running shows will have to go.
“Now and again, we reach a time to move on and modernise, bringing through some new shows.
“The ideas we have here are hugely scalable, they are modern and accessible, lots of fun and hugely relevant to people across the UK.”
BBC announced plans to scrap Flog It! last week.
A statement at the time said: “We’d like to thank BBC Studios and host Paul Martin, who we will be working with on other programmes.”
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The six new commissions that will air on BBC One include a programme about Britain’s housing crisis hosted by Watchdog and Fake Britain host Matt Allwright.
Another show, Home Is Where The Art Is, will be fronted by DIY SOS host Nick Knowles and delve into the real world trend of commissioning artwork.
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