TFI Friday axed

Chris Evans has become a media millionaire

Channel 4 has confirmed it will be dropping the entertainment programme TFI Friday, produced and hosted by the media personality Chris Evans, at the end of the year.

The decision came amid falling viewing figures for the programme which once dominated the Friday evening slot.

A recent Independent Television Commission's report on the Channel, commended it for its schedules but said TFI Friday, which was launched five years ago, was "no longer the attraction it once was".

Viewing figures reportedly dropped from 2.2 million to 1.3 million during its most recent run.

Channel 4's head of entertainment Kevin Lygo said: "Chris is key to the channel's on-going entertainment success story, and we all look forward to continuing our relationship with him beyond TFI, into the future."

Past relationships

Evans' relationship with the channel dates back from the days of The Big Breakfast, through Don't Forget Your Toothbrush and lately, through his Ginger Productions company which makes TFI Friday.

The programme is currently on its summer break and will return in September where it will have its final run to December.

There has been no word from Evans or Ginger Productions about the announcement.