Victoria Derbyshire: Presenter discovered BBC show was cancelled by reading newspaper article

‘Absolutely devastated at the plan to end our programme,’ journalist says

Victoria Derbyshire has said she found out her award-winning television show was being axed by the BBC by reading a newspaper article.

The presenter said she was “absolutely devastated” to hear the broadcaster planned to take the Victoria Derbyshire show off air, and claimed she “first learned about it in yesterday’s Times”.

“I’m gutted particularly for our brilliant, young, ambitious, talented team,” she tweeted. “And for all those people we gave a voice to.”

Reports emerged on Wednesday that the Bafta-winning show was being pulled as part of cost-cutting efforts.

The BBC’s media editor, Amol Rajan, tweeted: “Cost of doing it on linear channel when savings are needed deemed too high.”

He said the BBC is expected to make a formal announcement next week.

Ms Derbyshire celebrated her show’s success on Twitter, saying it had attracted a more diverse audience to the BBC, broken original stories and “smash[ed] the digital figures”.

The programme received an outpouring of praise on social media after the news broke, with users calling Victoria Derbyshire “brilliant” and “daring”.

Labour MP Tracy Brabin said: “Rigorous campaigning & commitment to public having their say made it pretty unique in daytime TV.

“Victoria herself was sharp & approachable with a personal journey that made her relatable.”

Anna Collinson, a reporter for the show, said: “It is gutting this could mean the end of a young, talented, diverse team who are led by strong, female editors and a fantastic female presenter.”

The BBC has been contacted for comment.