ITV axes Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow for 2023 – after the host was ‘nabbed by the BBC for new show’

Alan Carr‘s Epic Gameshow will not be returning to ITV for another series this year, after a scheduling change from the broadcaster.

The show, which began in 2020, is set to be rested for 2023 as the channel makes room to show the Rugby World Cup.

Preparing for the sporting event, ITV also won’t be showing The Masked Dancer this year – leaving fans furious as the news was announced earlier this week.

While all is not lost for host Alan Carr, as he has reportedly been ‘stolen’ from the channel by the BBC for for their brand new Saturday night TV line-up.

According to The Sun, he has signed on to host their new quiz show Picture Slam.

ITV has axed Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow for 2023 in a scheduling switch up – as they make room for The Rugby World Cup

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Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow sparks nostalgia as it reboots retro game shows  such as Bullseye and Name That Tune.

Kicking off in 2020, contestants appear on the show each week to compete to win top prizes in a series of challenges. 

While it’s not know if the show will return in the future, it is being rested by the channel for 2023 as the rugby competition kicks off. 

The Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place in France from 8 September to 28 October 2023.

It comes after reports this week that Alan has been snapped up by the BBC to host their new quiz show, Picture Slam.

He was largely tipped to replace David Walliams on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel, but lost out the gig to Bruno Tonioli.

A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Getting the big-money signing is payback for Alan, who was viewed as a shoo-in as replacement for the exiting David Walliams as BGT judge. 

‘It was a slight to be in the running for the position for months only to be knocked out of the race at the last minute – particularly as Bruno shot to fame on a BBC show.

Rest: The show, which began in 2020, won’t be returning to screens for another series this year – but could come back in later years

Throwback: Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow sparks nostalgia as it reboots retro game shows such as Bullseye and Name That Tune

‘Now Alan could be an even bigger star of Saturday night telly that he might have been had he got the role on the BGT panel.’

Alan was reportedly ‘devastated’ at losing out on the Britain’s Got Talent job last month.

A source close to the show said: ‘It is one the most peculiar events in showbusiness in recent years. Alan was told that he had the job and then all of sudden Bruno’s name popped up. It is so bizarre.

‘Some ITV bosses are cross at the decision, their preference was Alan as did most involved in the show who were really over the moon at the prospect of having join them for series.

New venture? While all is not lost for host Alan Carr, as he has reportedly been ‘stolen’ from the channel by the BBC for for their brand new Saturday night TV line-up – hosting Picture Slam

Gig: He was widely tipped to join the Britain’s Got Talent panel, but lost out the gig to Bruno Tonioli (far left)