Graham Norton's ITV reality show The Neighbourhood is axed amid 'disappointing' ratings

ITV’s big new reality show The Neighbourhood, fronted by Graham Norton, has been axed after just one series. Billed as the channel’s answer to BBC1 ’s The Traitors , the show launched last month to lacklustre reviews, with many critics claiming it was a far cry from the rival series, hosted by Claudia Winkleman . Now insiders say that, after the remaining episodes were shifted to the 10.45pm post-news graveyard slot this week, it has no chance of returning next year. One admitted: “It’s a real shame because we loved the concept and Graham as the host. But sadly the viewers didn’t feel the same way and the ratings have been disappointing. We won’t be making another series.” This is despite adverts already going out from the production company seeking new families for a second series. Potential candidates are told: “It's not about keeping up with the Joneses - it’s about beating them! Households from all walks of life will move in side by side. They'll live as neighbours but compete as rivals. “Whether facing off in street-sized games or gossiping over the garden fence, it's the ultimate reality showdown. ITV are looking for dynamic, competitive families and housemates to take part in this ground-breaking programme where one household will win a life changing cash prize! Can your household rise to the challenge and claim victory?” The show got off to a decent start when it aired in the middle of the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here on April 24. But ratings soon went into freefall, hitting a low of just 500,000 by the third instalment - which was not enough to keep it in the primetime 9pm slot. Hugely expensive to make, set on a purpose-built, fully rigged housing estate in Derbyshire, the six households are competing for a cash prize of £250,000. The Bradons, The Kandolas & Samra, The Lozman-Sturrocks, The Pescuds, The Scouse Haus and The Uni Boys all faced challenges in which they tried to eliminate each another without becoming unpopular enough to get the bullet - in this case, a for sale sign - themselves. But fans were not impressed, with many branding it "rubbish" and claiming it was "scraping the bottom of the barrel". One moaned: “It’s awful. The idea of neighbours ganging up on each other! What happened to love thy neighbour?” Another agreed: "Only managed ten mintutes. Sorry.” But chat show favourite Graham, 63, was bowled over by the format, saying he jumped at the chance to be host. He compared the set to Hollywood movie The Truman Show, explaining: "Arriving in Derbyshire; I’d seen pictures but I didn't quite understand the scale of it. It really is like being on a movie set, except it’s 360 - everywhere you look, it's real. "The art department did an extraordinary job of building up that town square where we do the removals, the pub, the cafe, the interiors of the houses. It really took my breath away.” For the remainder of the current series, the two weekly episodes will air after the news at 10.45pm. Replacing them in the 9pm slot last night was a repeat of Long Lost Family while tonight it will be a celebrity special of Beat The Chasers from 2021. The Neighbourhood is the latest in a long line of failed attempts to emulate the success of BBC1’s The Traitors. Channel 4 ’s efforts have included Rise and Fall, hosted by Radio 1's Greg James , which was a reality version of Upstairs, Downstairs, plus The Inheritance with Liz Hurley and Robert Rinder. And ITV previously had a go with The Fortune Hotel, presented by Stephen Mangan, which lasted for two series before the axe fell. Last night an ITV source said no decision had yet been made on The Neighbourhood’s future. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .