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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird

Channel 4 'axes reality show' after just one series in the latest blow to programmes

Channel 4's Make Me Prime Minister has been dropped by the network after just one series, it has been reported.

The programme which first aired on September 27, 2022, saw several people compete to land the job which in reality, had been filled by Boris Johnson, then Liz Truss and now Rishi Sunak.

While the show may have launched during the UK's political turmoil which saw the nation see two Prime Minsters within just one month, the network believed it would rake in viewers.

However, this didn't materialise and often attracted a negative response from people who branded it a "rip off" of BBC's The Apprentice.

Channel 4 has reportedly axed Make Me Prime Minister (Channel 4)

Now, bosses are said to have made the decision to spike the programme due to the dwindling viewing numbers.

Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed: "There was a sense that after having three prime ministers in just five weeks, the ­country had had enough jostling to reach the top of the greasy pole.

"With a concept that had never been seen before, the programme was always something of a TV experiment which could have been a success or a flop."

The series saw Baroness Warsi and Alastair Campbell offer advice to contestants (Rhian Ap Gruffydd photography)

The mole went on to add: "But trailblazing Channel 4 are never afraid to risk failure and try out a new idea."

Each week, 12 contestants were narrowed down following a series of challenges to decide who would come out on top and land the all-important job.

Contestants included ex-footballer and sports agent Holly Morgan, student Alice Grant, hairdresser Caroline Thomson-Smith and social media sensation, Jackie Weaver, to name a few.

As they battled for the job, they were given guidance by Alastair Campbell and ex-Conservative minister, Baroness Warsi.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minster Tony Blair also made a brief appearance on the programme.

The show featured lockdown sensation Jackie Weaver (Channel 4)

During its time on the air, fans were left delighted as Jackie Weaver who went viral during lockdown due to a heated parish council meeting debuted on the programme.

At the now infamous Handforth Parish Council meeting, one member told Jackie: “You have no authority here, Jackie Weaver", and as she was introduced in tonight's episode, Jackie poked fun at the iconic line.

She told the cameras: "I do have the authority here."

Viewers shared their joy on Twitter at seeing Jackie again, although some seemed less enthusiastic.

One person wrote: "Been looking forward to Ch4's #MakeMePrimeMinister. The Apprentice meets politics. And it's got Jackie Weaver!"

Another said: "Well, I'd vote for Jackie Weaver. Job done! #MakeMePrimeMinister."

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