C4’s Host the Week axed after first episode with Scarlett Moffat

The first instalment of Channel 4's entertainment show starring former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt tanked in the ratings.

Host the Week was I’m a Celebrity winner Moffatt’s first solo presenting gig after her stint as part of the Saturday Night Takeaway team with Ant and Dec.

But even the Queen of the Jungle couldn’t draw in many fans with just 450,000 viewers tuning in to watch the new show.

A spokesperson for Channel 4 said: “We’re brave enough to take risks with innovative programme ideas but also to acknowledge they don’t all work and move on.”

Host the Week was based around the same idea as ITV’s The Nightly Show, inviting a different celebrity hosting the unrehearsed and unscripted programme each week.

But like ITV’s offering, the C4 show has also struggled with ratings, despite tapping celebrities to star in its improvised skits.

A source told The Sun that Host the Week just didn’t resonate with the public, commenting:

“Channel 4 tried to give something new a go but it hasn’t worked on any level.

“It did not land with viewers and they’ve decided to not only leave the second episode, but completely pack in the show.

“It’s unfortunate for Scarlett as she ends up the only host of the show that didn’t work from the word go,” the source added.

Its competitive scheduling slot may have been part of the problem as, airing at 9pm on Thursday 22, it was battling the likes of Big Brother, Love Island and Piers Morgan’s Killer Women for ratings.

Comedian Jack Whitehall was lined up to front the second episode.