ITV axes two celebrity hosted game shows - details

Virgin Radio

3 Oct 2023, 16:35

ITV has decided not to renew two celebrity-fronted game shows.

The broadcaster confirmed to MailOnline that “there are no current plans for a third series” of Sitting On A Fortune, hosted by Gary Lineker, nor Moneyball, hosted by fellow ex-footballer Ian Wright.

The decision was revealed by the news website on Tuesday, 3rd October.

Both Sitting On A Fortune and Moneyball provided everyday contestants with the opportunity to win huge jackpots, but are now not expected to be making a return to the TV screen following their second seasons.

Sitting On A Fortune offered six contestants the chance to compete against each other to win a jackpot of £100,000. Moneyball meanwhile offered players the chance to win up to £250,000.

Speaking with The Sun in June 2023, Lineker seemingly had been feeling positive about the future of his show.

“I'm really pleased with how Sitting On A Fortune has been received. The figures have been good and the feedback's been excellent,” he said, adding: ”Hopefully we can just do lots of series and give lots of people lots of money.”

The Match of the Day host also added: “I think it's a possibility for us to do a full series with celebrities. I think the cash has to go to charity… I don't think the celebrities can get away with that one!”

Wright was also thrilled with season two of his show, saying in a statement released prior to its first episode: “I’m so happy people loved it as much as I do… it’s great that the show is back.”

While ITV has seemingly decided these two game shows have had their day, the broadcaster is gearing up for an exciting autumn of reality TV, including a new series of Deal or No Deal with its new host, Stephen Mulhern.

The channel’s much-anticipated reboot of Big Brother also begins on Sunday, 8th October.