Advertisement

'Mock the Week' fans devastated as panel show airs final ever episode

Hugh Dennis and Dara O'Brian bid farewell to Mock the Week. (BBC)
Hugh Dennis and Dara O'Brian bid farewell to Mock the Week. (BBC)

Mock the Week fans have been sharing their sadness that the long-running comedy panel show has aired its final ever episode.

The BBC Two show had been on air for 17 years, hosted by Dara O'Briain and with Hugh Dennis as a regular fixture, and launched the careers of many comedians.

Read more: The Chase, Strictly and Loose Women stars join Celebrity Antiques Road Trip

It had previously been announced for cancellation by the BBC, but as it was pre-recorded, Liz Truss resigned as Prime Minister after it had filmed - although the cast joked about the likelihood that they would outlast her.

Closing the show, O'Briain said: “We’ve been on for the last 17 years, we’ve done 232 episodes featuring 131 comedians.

Mock the Week's final episode cast. (BBC)
Mock the Week's final episode cast. (BBC)

“We’ve seen out six prime ministers, four US presidents, seven England football managers and two Archbishops of Canterbury – that wasn’t a big deal.

“It has been an absolute blast to do, and we leave with the quiet pride that in the years that we have been on we have left the country in a far more stable, prosperous and happy situation than we started, and we’ll always have that."

He continued: “We’re not a very sentimental, mawkish show so I’ll just say on behalf of the production team, on behalf of myself and all of the comedians here, it’s been an absolute joy to talk to you and an honour.

“I’m Dara O'Briain, goodnight.”

Dara O'Briain left his host's chair to take part in a round. (BBC)
Dara O'Briain left his host's chair to take part in a round. (BBC)

He later tweeted: "That’s all folks! “History of Mock The Week” parts 1 and 2 will be on over the next two weeks, but there ends the most funny, energetic, sharp and silly of all the panel shows, I think. Huge thanks to all the comics, and production staff, who joined us and made it great. X"

One fan tweeted: "I’m so gutted it’s the last episode of #MockTheWeek. Sitting here weepy over a comedy panel show. Much love to @daraobriain and Hugh Dennis for all the years of hilarity. Fingers crossed another channel pays attention to the save Mock the Week petition."

Read more: MasterChef: The Professionals announces return date with Monica Galetti replacement

Someone else added: "Just wanted to say a huge thank you to every comedian who's ever been on #MockTheWeek and especially @daraobriain for making the world a little bit less depressing and whole lot funnier You will be missed x"

Another viewer wrote: "Sad to see the end of #mocktheweek after 17 years. They’ve provided endless silliness and satire through all those years and kickstarted so many successful comedian careers. Thanks for all the LOLs."

Dara O'Briain paid tribute to the show in a closing speech. (BBC)
Dara O'Briain paid tribute to the show in a closing speech. (BBC)

Others shared their frustration at the BBC for cancelling one of their favourite shows.

Someone tweeted: "Shame on you BBC for cancelling Mock The Week. Hope another channel pick it up. Too good to lose."

Another person commented: "I’ve just watched the last #mocktheweek and 17 hilarious years of my life are now missing. Surely the format will be picked up by @Channel4 or @channel5_tv or Dave? This programme cannot be allowed to die."

One fan wrote: "Bye bye #MocktheWeek, you have been a constant joy and a reliable lifter of spirits... Whoever in the BBC made this ridiculous decision is not in touch with the public! Thank you @daraobriain @HughDennis_ you will be sadly missed along with the wonderful comedians x"

Someone else added: "Scrapping #mocktheweek which is the best comedy panel show on TV, is a big mistake by the #BBC."

Watch: Mock the Week's best moments as the show ends