The consistent figures for New Tricks this series must be a bit of a worry for the BBC. It probably was the right time to go, but, especially given its repeat value, they might be a little surprised it has bedded in so well with the new team. And they will almost certainly not find it easy to equal, let alone better, the ratings for anything long running.

I got the impression from his interview about it on something or other (This Morning possibly) that Larry Lamb was a bit miffed his run is so short and that it is ending when ironically they do seem to have got something like the old blend back.

Any whispers on what they are considering to replace it in 2016?

Strictly- 7.9m
X Factor- 7.4m

That's what I'm going with.

Part of me is surprised they didn't try and drown it opposite Downton Abbey rather than give it the cushiest slot of the week (though it may have performed even better after Bake Off!) as it has kept to a comfortable level.

I wonder if they can reverse their decision and commission another series?

Anything can happen.

It will be closer than expected, I bet 2 shillings thrupence that both will be in the 7m region 500k between them with +1 added in.

(Smug)

If Strictly is anything less than 1m ahead of The X Factor then I think the latter would see that as a success after opening weekend. Though if that's because Strictly starts lower than expected rather than The X Factor higher than last week...

Has he not already tried it - wasn't it called Britains best dish (or something like that) - it had Carol Vorderman and Lloyd Grossman as presenters.

It bombed.

Or am I confused - was that not a Cowell inspired production?

Britain's Best Dish was a half decent show in the 5pm slot, presented by Mark Nicholas then Julie Etchingham. I'm not sure why it suddenly started to slip away; maybe Pointless' arrival?

You're thinking of Food Glorious Food which was a complete and utter disaster from the off.

Yep - that's the one

The two shows were exactly the same, but Food Glorious Food was filmed in a field and hosted by Carol Vorderman. Simon Cowell effectively sold ITV their own programme. I'm surprised they didn't bring Britains Best Dish back.

I see ITV continued their strong run of factual on Tuesday. Making a real impact here. If they're not careful, apart from the big brands like DA, XF,soaps the rest of the schedule will be in Ch4/Ch5 territory.

How can such a factual prog of that Payday loans be commissioned and scheduled in such a poor slot. Tuesday at 9pm is weak anyway, but putting a niche piece of factual in that slot is like asking the audience to watch NT instead.

Simon Cowell has basically sold ITV Pop Idol, The Gong Show and Britain's Best Dish.

And people call him stupid?

[QUdOTE=Fudd;79488571]Part of me is surprised they didn't try and drown it opposite Downton Abbey rather than give it the cushiest slot of the week (though it may have performed even better after Bake Off!) as it has kept to a comfortable level.

I wonder if they can reverse their decision and commission another series?[/quote]

They re commissioned Not Going Out after a fan campaign to save it and NGO's ratings for far lower.

I actually believe ITV should consider It. Yes, the demographics aren't great (although I doubt worse than Midsomer Murders or Grantchester) but it would give them a solid first run drama with significant repeat value. You would imagine episodes consistently pulling c1 million on ITV3.

Of course that would never happen...

It could be a case of going out on a relative high and meaning it's in a healthy enough position if they want to give it a break and bring it back later.

It's only the launch show so it maybe closer than expected. I think it depends more on XF getting some viewers back.

[QxUOTE=Fudd;79489583]They re commissioned Not Going Out after a fan campaign to save it and NGO's ratings for far lower.[/quote]

It could be a case of going out on a relative high and meaning it's in a healthy enough position if they want to give it a break and bring it back later.[/quote]

Well yes, but why would you do that when we know how difficult it is to successfully launch a new drama? Just look at Partners in Crime, a lighthearted crime drama which could in a way be compared to NT. it's ratings plummeted.

Returnable hits are critical - that's been argued as being a key factor in Itv's decline - so why weaken your drama slate unnecessarily. NT has been in the top 5 rating shows of the week since episode 1 of this series. What channel would voluntarily "rest" a show doing that?

Wasn't it Mary Nightingale?

I think maybe BBC One thought New Tricks would sink further this series so tried to cut their losses while they could. It's possible that it staying above the 5m mark will result in them doing an about turn - that's if the new four are up to it.

Of course they might be running out of storylines. Jonathan Creek was cut whilst on a relative high and the new series didn't really make an impact because the stories lacked depth.


You're right, it was Mary Nightingale.

It begins.

[quote=Fudd;79490099]I think maybe BBC One thought New Tricks would sink further this series so tried to cut their losses while they could. It's possible that it staying above the 5m mark will result in them doing an about turn - that's if the new four are up to it.


I think you're right and certainly when ratings slid slightly after Dennis Waterman left I thought that might be the case. However, it seems to be holding up well (so far) in both the overnights and consolidated.

I don't think the Beeb will change their mind, as I get the impression that NT appeals to the wrong demographic (not that that should matter for them)

If 'demographics' is the reason New Tricks has been axed then it really goes against why the BBC is there. But I do think it's a case that they feared it would embarrass itself if they kept it going so drew the line.

Just looking back at previous Christmas ratings and I notice every year ITV delivers a dud. Putting in very little effort, allowing BBC to take advantage and the audience to default.

Here's hoping this year with Peter & Wendy, Churchill's Secret, Downton Abbey Finale and The Sound Of Music Live that they actually put the effort in and are rewarded. Although viewers are so used to just switching on BBC1 at Christmas that its almost tradition. I mean people watch EE when they don't even watch it any other day of the year.

Can't see any details yet; we may have to wait until BARB's hangover has cleared tomorrow.

I think if New Tricks was a BBC production then I think they might reverse the axing but it's made by an indie and I imagine as it's been running for 12 series, it'll be getting more expensive to make and the money saved from NT can be used for a new drama.

Was at the x factor six chair challenge yesterday, was very entertaining, should make for a good show.