A huge channel, which has launched the careers of several well-known telly stars, is reportedly being taken off air after 42 years, leaving some viewers heartbroken
ITV is closing one of its biggest channels(Image: ITV)
ITV is closing one of its biggest channels – leaving some viewers heartbroken, according to reports. In bombshell news, the iconic CITV is shutting down for good after 42 years, with its last broadcast on ITV2 scheduled for April 10.
Having launched the careers of several well-known telly stars, including Stephen Mulhern, Holly Willoughby and Cat Deeley, the channel also aired much-loved shows, such as Art Attack with Neil Buchanan, Tots TV and Horrid Henry.
CITV officially closed in 2023, however a programming block showing all the classics launched on ITV2, so viewers could still get their fix. But now, it’s no more, with the channel reportedly being shut down for good. Announcing the news of the CITV’s demise this week, a social media account said: âThis really means the end of the iconic CITV brand thatâs been around for 42 years. Farewell CITV, this time for real.”
CITV launched the careers of telly veterans, including Holly Willoughby(Image: CiTV)
However, revealing that some of the shows would be picked up by CBBC while the rest will be under ITVX Kids, the post continued: âCBBC will have some of CITVâs programming while the rest will be under ITVX Kids.â
Reacting to the news, one fan lamented: âThatâs actually depressing. CITV was my childhood.â Another wrote: âThey stoped making original content like 5+ years ago and was just airing shows other places have though. It was such a insult it did not even get a real send off on ITV either.â
Meanwhile, a third mused: âEnd of an era âŠ. I remember watching the PokĂ©mon movies on this channel.â
CITV began life as Watch IT, before being rebranded as Childrenâs ITV, commonly shortened to CITV. It aired on ITV late afternoons, timed for kids arriving home from school.
It later launched as a standalone, 24-hour free-to-air channel in 2006. But in 2023, the channel closed and moved to ITVX, with a programming block remaining on ITV2.
Other beloved shows that aired on CITV included fantasy show Wizadora and the iconic Press Gang, which was created by Doctor Who star, Steven Moffat, and starred Julia Sawalha and Dexter Fletcher.
The series, focused on the activities of a childrenâs newspaper, developed a cult fanbase among older children.
Another programme, which those of a certain age will remember is It’s a Mystery, a magazine show in which Art Attack star Neil Buchanan introduced stories about unexplained events involving UFOs and ghosts.
Meanwhile, My Parents Are Aliens starred Tony Gardner (Fresh Meat) and Carla Mendonça (So Awkward) as the alien parents who recently adopted three orphans in another much-loved show on the channel.
