One Born Every Minute axed by Channel 4 after 11 series – leaving fans gutted

One Born Every Minute has been axed by Channel 4 after 11 series.

The popular documentary series, which first aired in 2010, gave a ground-breaking look at the drama and emotion of a maternity unit.

The BAFTA-award winning show is being scrapped due to falling ratings – and devoted fans are going to b devastated.

The final episode of series 11, which aired in May 2018, was only watched by 600,000 viewers.

Back in the glory days the series obtained the highest ratings of any "fixed rig" multicamera documentary series – with some episode getting audiences of more than five million.

A TV insider told The Sun : "It used to be one of Channel 4’s most popular formats but it seems as if it’s had its day, as viewers have slowly had enough of watching women give birth.

"They’ve dragged out the story of childbirth for as long as they believe possible and want to start working on newer formats for younger audiences.

"It’s a real shame as it has been a huge part of Channel 4. But there is no point flogging a dead horse."

One Born Every Minute was praised for giving the perspective of the maternity ward staff and parents-to-be.

The babies born on the show were revisited in special episodes and reunited with the staff that delivered them.

The format has been popular abroad, with versions appearing in America, France and Sweden.

Channel 4's former chief creative officer, Ralph Lee, had hinted the show may be axed a couple of years ago.

Back in 2016, he said: "We've seen some erosion of the older titles like One Born Every Minute and Educating…, but there has been continued key growths of key show titles like Gogglebox and First Dates."

Those hoping to get their birth fix can still watch BBC Two's new show The Arrival.

The Arrival will capture every moment in the weeks immediately following birth – amongst the most intense and extraordinary times of any family.

Emma Loach, BBC Commissioning Editor, said: "I’m excited to bring this ambitious new series to BBC Two as families share one of the most extraordinary experiences of their lives with us. T

"he Garden Productions has a great track record of taking viewers to the heart of family life and this promises to be a revealing and heart-warming new series."

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