BBC axes iconic TV channel as 100 jobs are cut in brutal shake-up

The BBC is preparing to shut down BBC Three, BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4 Extra as part of a massive cost-cutting programme designed to slash £500 million by 2028. The closures, confirmed by the broadcaster, are scheduled for spring 2027. The decision follows BBC Director-General Matt Brittin's warning in June that the organisation had to make substantial savings to reduce spending. Alongside the recent cuts, a further 100 positions are being eliminated at BBC News, while an extra 10 jobs in Scotland will go following the axing of BBC Scotland as a television channel. Nevertheless, audiences will continue to have access to BBC Scotland content via BBC iPlayer, with shows also remaining on BBC One and BBC Two in Scotland. BBC Three, which chiefly caters to younger viewers, will shift its content online, with shows available on BBC iPlayer and other platforms, including YouTube . This isn't the first time this has occurred, as BBC Three previously went online in 2016 before making a comeback to broadcast telly in 2022, reports the Express . The channel has produced some massive successes including Killing Eve , Fleabag and Normal People . Meanwhile, BBC Radio 4 Extra programmes will continue to be accessible to audiences via BBC Sounds, despite the closure of the broadcast channel. Announcing the shake-up in a memo to staff, Brittin stated the corporation must make "tough choices" to alleviate financial pressures. "We need to make every pound work harder for audiences as we respond to the immediate cost pressures and reinvent the BBC for a changing world. We all know that means tough choices," he said. "Much of the great content they currently carry will still be found where audiences already enjoy them on iPlayer and Sounds. "While this follows media speculation, I recognise the confirmation of this news will be hard for audiences and colleagues." Rachel Jupp, the newly appointed director of BBC News, is anticipated to reveal additional savings plans next year. Other departments throughout the corporation are also set to unveil their own budget-slashing initiatives over the coming months as the Beeb presses on with its drive to cut expenditure. This follows Nick Knowles' confirmation that DIY SOS has been cancelled after 26 years. He confessed to feeling "disappointed" about the news, though acknowledged the BBC doesn't possess an "endless pot of money". "Of course, I'm disappointed not to be filming the show next year or again in the same format we know and love. But I do understand there's no endless pot of money at the BBC and sometimes they have to make difficult decisions," Nick wrote on Instagram. "It's so clear you share my sentiment and deep love for this show. "For 26 years it's been an honour and a privilege to be part of DIY SOS, and I've loved nothing more than making it. What I always come back to is that it's the people who are the beating heart of SOS. "Over the years we've had thousands of tradespeople, suppliers and volunteers, all people trying to make their own living, who have shown up time and time again for the families who need it most." The 64-year-old continued: "Kind, hardworking people and real working-class heroes coming together to build a better community. "It really is the best of Britain, and we need to see more of it on telly. "I've always put my head above the parapet for tradespeople and this industry I love, and I'll keep doing that. But for now, I want to say thank you to every family for sharing their story with us over the last 26 years. "To the volunteers, production team, purple shirts, commissioners and everyone watching at home, we couldn't have done this without you." He signed off the emotional post: "And to everyone who hasn't seen the series yet, give it a watch. I promise your heart will be warmed." Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter