Keith Lemon confirms hit ITV show has been axed and reveals ‘real reason’ behind cancellation

KEITH Lemon has confirmed that The Keith and Paddy Picture Show has been axed.

The Keith and Paddy Picture Show was axed by ITV in 2019 but Keith, real name Leigh Francis, didn’t speak out about it at the time.

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Keith has now told fans that he’s decided to "quit comedy" for now in a bid to focus on other projects.

Speaking on Instagram Live, the comedian said: “The next thing I pitch won't be comedy, it's too difficult to get away, someone like me who is on the edge.

"The next thing i do will be a straight thing”

He’s also said it won’t return because the music is too expensive

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The blockbuster themed show saw Keith and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness recreate iconic movie scenes.

It had a stellar line-up including the likes of Louise Redknapp, Michelle Keegan, Ant and Dec and David Dickinsontaking part as the pair took on classic movies.

But ITV scrapped the show after half its six million viewers switched off during the second series in 2018.

At the time, a TV insider told Daily Star: “After a lot of discussions it’s been decided the show won’t return.

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"It was a fantastic part of ITV’s schedule and created a lot of buzz, because the spoofs were so funny.

“But once ratings started to drop, execs had to make a tough decision to ditch it.”

The source added: “They’re both still considered hot properties in the TV world.

"The concept of The Keith & Paddy Show was a good one, so they may get the chance to do spoofs together in the future for other shows.

“Hopefully it won’t be the last we see of them playing dress-up."

Louise Redknapp previously appeared in the show's take on Pretty Woman, while Michelle Keegan, Ant and Dec and David Dickinson tackled the conclusion of the Star Wars trilogy in season two.

And Stephen Tompkinson, Myleene Klass and Hank Osasuna were on hand to star in the alternative version of Jaws.

Previously, Terminator 2 featured Jaime Winston as John Connor and singing legend Rick Astley making a memorable appearance as T-1000.

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