Lads’ Mags FHM And ZOO To Shut Down

Men’s lifestyle magazines FHM and Zoo are to suspend publication at the end of the year, Yahoo News has learnt.

FHM announced the news this morning in a brief statement where it thanked its loyal readers.

The statement said: “Unfortunately it’s true and it has been announced today the intention to suspend publication of FHM.

“It’s been an absolute joy producing the magazine over the years.

“Thank you for all your support, we will keep you updated with developments over the coming weeks.”

A spokeswoman for publishers Bauer Media told Yahoo News UK that the final editions would be at the end of the year, adding that “no decision has yet been made” on whether the suspension will be permanent.

It is believed that counter-proposals will be made on whether to keep the magazines and websites continuing in future months.

There has so far been no word on whether the suspension affects the international editions of the magazines.

Publisher Gareth Cherriman paid tribute to the team, saying: “I greatly appreciate Damien McSorley’s leadership and the dedication and effort from both teams.

“I would like to thank our advertisers and retailers who have supported the brands and I’m sure that everyone who has worked on FHM and ZOO over the years will be sorry to hear this news.”

First published in 1985 as ‘For Him Magazine’, the title changed its name to FHM in 1994.

The magazine dominated the men’s market throughout the 1990s and compiled a yearly list of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World, which has been won by stars like Michelle Keegan, Kelly Brook and Cheryl Cole.

Some on Twitter have suggested FHM be renamed ‘Fairly Haphazard Maths’ for the date error on the announcement that the mag is to close.

It states that Sarah Michelle Gellar was the first to win the award 21 years ago - in 1999.

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer was in fact the first winner, way back in in 1995.

ZOO was launched in 2004 as a weekly magazine that had a more cheeky tone than its older counterpart.

Pics: Grabs