Entertainment: Devastated Mock The Week fans launch petition to bring show back: 'This is a travesty'

A petition launched to relaunch the survey on the disappearance of Tiphaine Véron

© AFP A petition was launched on the Internet by the family of Tiphaine Véron to ask "French justice not to [] abandon it". The young woman disappeared on July 29, 2018 in Japan. This is the last chance petition. The UNIS Association for Tiphaine has just launched it on the Internet to obtain French justice continues its investigation into the disappearance of Tiphaine Véron, which occurred on July 29, 2018 at the age of 36 during a vacation stay in Japan.

© Provided by Metro ‘Save Mock The Week’ fans are urging (Picture: BBC/Angst Productions/Neil Genower)

Devastated Mock The Week fans have launched a petition and urged others to sign, in the hope of bringing their ‘beloved’ show back.

It was announced earlier this week that the comedy programme was being cancelled by the BBC after 17 years.

After 21 series and more than 200 episodes, it was confirmed that the panel show will air its final instalment in autumn as the corporation looks to create room for new content.

Now, fans are taking things into their own hands and trying to ‘Save Mock The Week’.

The petition, which has more than 5,000 signatures at the time of writing, reads: ‘Unfortunately it was announced that this year’s series of beloved comedy show Mock the Week will be the last, as the BBC decided to cancel it.

Richard Osman reckons Mock The Week could be saved after BBC series is axed after 17 years

We have hope!

‘I hope you agree that this is a travesty and that Dara [O Briain], Hugh [Dennis] and co deserve to continue for a long time yet!

© Provided by Metro The show features comedians like (L-R) Frankie Boyle, Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard, Frank Skinner, Gina Yashere, Dara O’Briain, and Andy Parsons (Picture: ANGST PRODUCTIONS)

‘For many of us, Mock the Week was where we got our news and where we discovered our favourite comics.

‘Romesh Ranganathan, James Acaster, Rob Beckett and Michael McIntyre are just a few who got their break on Mock!

‘So please, sign and share this petition and let’s save Mock the Week!’

© Provided by Metro Irish comedian Dara O Briain fronted the show (Picture: BBC)

Taking to the comments, some fans shared why they wanted their ‘beloved’ show to be saved.

Strictly Come Dancing launch date is confirmed for 2022 series

The series will film a pre-recorded launch show on this date, meaning viewers will likely see the celebrity contestants paired up with their dance partners the weekend of September 10. Strictly bosses released a statement confirming the date while inviting fans to apply for tickets.

One wrote: ‘It’s been the only thing worth watching on TV for me since about 2010. I genuinely want to cancel by BBC TV licence if this doesn’t stay on air as it’s literally the only thing I ever watch on TV. Everything else is Gaming, YouTube or Netflix.’

© Provided by Metro Outnumbered star Hugh Dennis was a regular on the show (Picture: Ferdaus Shamim/WireImage) © Provided by Metro Mock The Week panellists have included Andy Parsons, Sara Pascoe and Josh Widdicombe (Picture: BBC/Angst Productions/Richard kendal)

Another penned: ‘We need Mock The Week to keep us laughing as the world collapses around us,’ while a third commented: ‘Mock The Week is one of the best TV shows. To cancel such a show would be a travesty.’

Mock The Week first began broadcasting in 2005 with Dara at the helm and Hugh serving as a series regular.

© Provided by Metro Mock The Week creator Dan Patterson said the news of the panel show’s axe was unexpected (Picture: BBC)

Irish comedian Dara, who hosted the Mock The Week throughout its impressive tenure, was enjoying some much-needed downtime with his family when the show’s creator Dan Patterson had the unpleasant job of having to phone him up to break the bad news.

Mock the Week axed after 17 years on BBC as Dara O'Briain speaks of 'regret and joy'

Mock The Week's final episodes will air this autumnThe panel show, created by Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson, was first broadcast in June 2005 but will now come to an end after 21 series. Comedian Dara O'Briain has hosted the show, which featured stars such as Hugh Dennis, Chris Addison and Frankie Boyle regularly, for more than 200 episodes.

‘I called him,’ Dan told Metro.co.uk. ‘The unfortunate thing was that he was on holiday with his family.’

More: Trending

But, luckily for Mock The Week fans, he is keeping optimistic that this won’t be the last viewers see of the show.

‘There have been some conversations,’ he teased. Although there’s nothing concrete.’

Mock The Week will air its final episodes in the autumn on BBC One.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a Soaps fan? For exclusive spoilers and interviews, sign up to Metro's Soaps newsletter