Autumnwatch 'return' after BBC axe has fans making same demand after backlash

The BBC seemed to add insult to injury during the latest episode of The One Show, featuring a segment from Autumnwatch.

Presenters Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo were back on the iconic green sofa on Tuesday (October 29), chatting with celebrities Wayne Sleep and Lashana Lynch about their impressive careers. However, in the midst of the star-studded interview, Roman introduced another part of the programme.

Explaining that they had collaborated with the recently cancelled show Autumnwatch, Roman and Clara passed the baton to naturalist Chris Packham to talk about badgers in Oxford. Roman announced: "This week The One Show and Autumnwatch are joining forces to bring the brilliant sites of British wildlife to your front room. And we can actually go live now to Chris Packham. Chris, tell us where you are."

Chris responded: "Hello! Yes I'm here at Wytham Woods just outside Oxford. It's very very beautiful but it's also a very special place indeed," he added.

However, despite the refreshing change, viewers were not happy with the brief segment and called on the to reinstate the actual programme, Autumnwatch, reports .

Flocking to social media in large numbers, one viewer commented: "Is that all we get for Autumn Watch... 5 flipping mins?? What a pointless segment that was. Hang your heads in shame BBC and bring back the proper programme."

Viewers are up in arms over the cancellation of Autumnwatch, with one tweeting: "Watching #TheOneShow only and I say only to see #Autumnwatch segment with #ChrisPackham how the @bbc decided to scrap this show which shows off the beautiful scenery and wildlife in our country. Defies me #BBC #BringBackAutumnwatch."

Another disgruntled fan expressed their irritation: "AUTUMNWATCH!!! Pi***s me off that we get an endless feed of sodding sport ALL year round and the brilliant Autumnwatch gets crowbarred into 10 mins for a few nights on the One Show! Sick of paying licence fee for sports programmes!"

An additional viewer didn't mince words, writing: "That's a pathetic bloody Autumnwatch. It should be an hour long and not on this pile of s***e."

After a remarkable 17-year run, the BBC has pulled the plug on Autumnwatch, stating that more funds will be channelled into its sister shows.

The BBC explained its decision, saying: "These are challenging times financially and we need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact.

"Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, as they are most popular with audiences."