BBC axes Crimewatch after 33 years on air

Crimewatch has been axed by the BBC after 33 years on air.

The corporation will no longer make the crime-solving show and will instead increase the number of episodes it makes of daytime programme Crimewatch Roadshow.

Falling viewing figures are believed to be behind the decision. Recent episodes went up against popular dramas Cold Feet and Broadchurch.  

Crimewatch was famously presented for more than two decades by Nick Ross, who would sign off the show with the line, "Don't have nightmares, do sleep well." 

In 1999, the programme's presenter Jill Dando was shot dead on her doorstep, in a crime that remains unsolved. 

In its most recent incarnation, Crimewatch was hosted by Jeremy Vine and Tina Dahely. 

The news is likely to disappoint police forces, which have achieved numerous breakthroughs over the years via the the show's appeals and reconstructions.

It is credited with identifying the the killers of toddler James Bulger, and helping catch the murderer of mother and daughter Lin and Megan Russell who were killed as they walked home from school in a Kent village.

The BBC said Crimewatch Roadshow, which airs on weekday mornings, would continue to do important work. 

A spokesman said: “We believe the successful Crimewatch Roadshow format in daytime is the best fit for the brand going forward and we will increase the number of episodes to make two series a year. 

"We are incredibly proud of Crimewatch and the great work it has done over the years and the work Crimewatch Roadshow will continue to do, and this move will also allow us to create room for new innovative programmes in peak time on BBC One.”