CHANNEL 4 HALTS PRODUCTION ON 24 HOURS IN A&E

The long-running series where cameras film around the clock in some of Britain's busiest A&E departments, has been paused by Channel 4 after more than 300 episodes.

Produced by The Garden, producers informed crew today (Wednesday 24th April) that the planned shoot for this Autumn had been scrapped. Broadcast reports that the show employs nearly 200 freelancers for each series.

In an email, seen and reported by Broadcast, producers said: "We offered the channel every measure we could to try and avert it, but I’m afraid we weren’t able to avoid it. The channel hasn’t given us a date when we might be able to film again, but we’re continuing to talk to them and are determined to do all we can to safeguard the series’ future."

A Channel 4 spokesperson said (via Broadcast): "Whilst we’re not filming more new episodes this autumn, we have a high number of recently filmed but not yet aired episodes, which means we’ll continue to bring all the behind-the-scenes access from Queen’s Medical Centre Nottingham’s A&E department. 

"Channel 4 always looks to provide a mix of new shows and familiar returners and 24 Hours in A&E remains an important part of that distinctive blend. We’ll make a recommission decision at an appropriate time, once we’ve aired more of the episodes we have already filmed."

Previous episodes are available on Channel 4 streaming.