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Sky calls time on Brainiac

Leigh Holmwood

guardian.co.uk, Monday July 28 2008

Sky One has axed its science stunt show Brainiac, which featured Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond and former Big Brother contestant Jon Tickle, after six series.

The broadcaster dropped the show, which featured madcap scientific experiments, after deciding it had taken it as far as it could go, with one source saying "there are only so many times you can blow up a caravan".

Sky One is preparing to unveil a new science-based show for its autumn schedule next week.

The final edition of Brainiac, which was made by ITV Productions, aired in March.

Early shows featured Hammond, as well as giving Tickle his first presenting job following Big Brother, with Vic Reeves replacing the Top Gear presenter from series five.

The programme went on to produce two spin-off series, including one about history, as well as a live show that is currently touring the country.

A Sky One spokesman confirmed the show would not return.

"Brianiac has been recognised for making science accessible to audiences young and old with its irreverent approach to the subject," he said.

"Highly praised and much copied, the series revolutionised the factual entertainment genre. After six successful seasons and two spin-off shows, Sky One are now looking for a fresh, original science format to educate and entertain our audiences," the spokesman added.

"The Brainiac brand will live on with more than 70 hours of fun-filled programming across Sky's entertainment channels and the ongoing live tour."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008...kyb.television