BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Reality TV show ends prematurely

BBC News Online: Entertainment

Tuesday, 27 February, 2001, 14:49 GMT

ITV has halved the run of its reality television show Public Property after it failed to become a ratings winner.

At this stage the run has only been shortened, it has not been axed
ITV spokeswoman

The network has taken the decision to chop the series, hyped as the new Big Brother, from 12 to six weeks. It will finish on Friday.

The vacated teatime slot will now be taken over by the rekindled Crossroads.

Public Property, presented by Kaye Adams, was seen by 1.5m viewers in its daily slot.

Weaker link

Contestants gave over their decision making to an audience, who set them live-changing challenges such as becoming buskers or sports commentators.

It was scheduled up against Anne Robinson's highly successful quiz show The Weakest Link.

An ITV spokeswoman confirmed the show was ending early but said it will still finish with an ultimate winner.

She said: "The action has been concertinaed but all the contestants will have achieved something by the end.

"At this stage the run has only been shortened, it has not been axed.

"We could not film a pilot version of Public Property but it is an exciting format we wanted to bring to the screens.

"We will now go back and reassess the format."

Related to this story:
Big Brother unleashed by Channel 4 (27 Jun 00 | Entertainment) What makes TV addictive? (08 Aug 00 | UK) The 'damage' of Big Brother (19 Jan 01 | Wales) The year of reality TV (23 Dec 00 | Entertainment)

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