ITV has axed a huge family favourite Saturday night show in favour of live sport – leaving fans gutted.
The programme won’t make a return to TV this autumn, as the broadcaster opt to show the Rugby World Cup 2023.
2Ninja Warrior is set to be parked for a yearCredit: Rex Features
2ITV will instead show Rugby World Cup gamesCredit: SportsfileITV show Ninja Warrior will be set aside this year to make room for the live sporting events in September and October.
The programme, hosted by Ben Shephard, Chris Kamara and Rochelle Humes, first aired in 2015 and is a fan favourite.
The family-friendly show sees competitors take on tricky obstacle courses in a series of rounds, increasing in difficulty.
The contestant who makes it the furthest in the competition, declared the Last Ninja Standing, has to face the final obstacle, Mt Midoryama, to win the show.
The programme had a three-year break in 2019 and returned to screens last September with a host of new competitors.
However, despite its huge popularity, sources have confirmed it won’t be making a comeback for a series in 2023.
The axing was decided to make room for the Rugby World Cup 2023, which kicks off on September 8.
A show insider told The Sun: “Ninja Warrior has been axed for this year, but could return in 2024.”
It comes after it was revealed that ANOTHER ITV show was being skipped to make way for the sporting events.
The Masked Dancer is also set to miss a year because of the Rugby World Cup, after just two series.
Launching in 2021 after the success of The Masked Singer, the series sees 12 mystery celebrities battle it out.
Story Credit: thesun.co.uk