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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

ITV 'axes' popular reality show Undercover Big Boss after just one series

ITV has reportedly axed popular show Undercover Big Boss after just one series.

The programme followed a group of business owners as they ditched their power suits to go in disguise as an employee in their own companies.

The multi-millionaire bosses got the chance to see their business through the eyes of their employees and see what the daily reality is like for them.

Viewers watched as owners of large UK companies took on the challenge, including businessman Alfie Best, chairman of Wyldecrest Parks.

He pretended to be a drainage engineer at one of his mobile home parks back in 2021.

Self-made millionaire Alfie Best went undercover at Wyldecrest Parks (REX/Shutterstock)

Alfie visited three of his sites and tried his hand in maintenance, sales and working behind the bar at a clubhouse.

To get away with the false persona, he told his co-workers he was taking part in a documentary about changing careers.

At the end of each episode, the bosses would reward their hard-working employees with cash rewards and holidays.

Bosses from Pickfords, Bristol Street Motors, and Euro Foods Group also took part in the show.

It was a success with viewers at the time, but ITV has been said to have decided to not continue with the series.

"The show won't return for a second series - it had a good run but there just isn't room on the schedule for a new series," a source told The Sun.

The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.

Just last month, ITV made the "difficult decision" to axe a big budget medical drama after gaining lower viewing figures for the show than expected.

Mark Taylor, Managing Director of Pickfords - Britain's largest and oldest removal company appeared on the show (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Maternal followed three medics as they returned to work at a hospital following their maternity leave. The six-part series had been set after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first series consisted of six episodes which aired earlier this year, broadcast between January 16 and February 20. The episodes were also available to stream on ITVX.

A source told the Mirror: "It was a very difficult decision as we really wanted to commission another series of Maternal, but unfortunately the audience didn't come to the drama in the numbers that we'd hoped for.

"Everyone who watched the series really loved it, and for that reason we're really disappointed we can't make another series happen."

It is understood Maternal launched with an audience of 2.4 million, though the viewing figures later fell to 1.9 million for the final episode, which was broadcast in February.

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