Naked Attraction series will not be cancelled due to slowdown in advertising market, says Channel 4

Channel 4 said Naked Attraction had not been “decommissioned” despite the broadcaster having to take action on some programmes following a “downturn in the advertising market”.

The dating show, hosted by Anna Richardson, sees one contestant chosen from six naked contestants as their bodies are revealed in stages, from the feet up.

The series was followed by factual programme Naked Education which the broadcaster describes as aiming to “normalise all body types, champion our differences and break down stereotypes”.

The news follows a report from the Mail On Sunday that several shows will be axed from Channel 4’s schedule.

A spokesperson for the channel said: “Naked Attraction has not been axed and a new series will return to Channel 4 next year.”

He added: “Scared Of The Dark enjoyed a critically acclaimed first season with excellent linear and streaming performances.”

Former England footballer Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne was crowned the winner of the show’s first season in April after spending 180 hours in total darkness and completing challenges.

The PA news agency has learned that medical documentary series Rescue: Extreme Medics and SAS: Who Dares Wins have not been rebroadcast due to viewing figures.

However, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, which saw The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) stars Ferne McCann and Joey Essex sign up, is set to go ahead.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock has said he earned £45,000 for appearing on the Channel 4 show.

Due to budget pressures, the network will cut the number of episodes of its comedy talk show The Last Leg by two.

Adam Hills, who hosts the series alongside comedians Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker, wrote on Twitter: “I mean, if there’s any show that can stand to lose a few elements, it’s ours.”

Australian Hills, who was born without a right foot, and Brooker, who had his right leg amputated as a baby, launched the show to cover the 2012 Summer Paralympics, and due to its popularity and ratings success it has become a permanent fixture.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster said: “Channel 4 is in good health, but like all commercial broadcasters we are taking some precautionary measures, such as re-formulating some content and production, in response to a slowdown in the advertising market.

“The vast majority of our shows have not been affected.”

PA understands that Four Weddings, which had not been officially announced by Channel 4, will not be broadcast by the network following reports it had been revived.

The series aired on Sky Living and involved the bride and groom rating each other’s weddings.