Channel 4 axe two shows

‘How Clean Is Your House?’ and ‘Wife Swap’ have been axed by Channel 4.

The broadcaster said both shows have been “huge hits” but will be discontinued in favour of new “ground breaking” formats.

Julian Bellamy, head of Channel 4, said: “The de-commission of ‘Big Brother’ earlier this year has been the catalyst for a process of creative renewal right across Channel 4.

"As a result, I have now made the decision not to re-commission ‘Wife Swap’ and ‘How Clean Is Your House?’

“Both these shows have been huge hits for the channel, but our focus must now shift to finding the next generation of ground-breaking shows."

"When ‘Wife Swap’ launched it was a truly ground-breaking programme which heralded an era of new factual formats right across television.

“It was challenging, impactful and connected with a large, mainstream audience. I am now looking to find new ways to challenge the mainstream through entertaining and provocative programmes."

Both series were first screened in 2003, with ‘Wife Swap’ picking up a BAFTA award in the 11 series’ it has run.

‘How Clean Is Your House?’ - presented by Kim Woodburn and Aggie MacKenzie - was also very successful, commanding millions of viewers and six series being made.

Kim Woodburn is presently in Australia to compete in ITV celebrity reality show ‘I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!’.

The last episodes of both shows have already been aired. Channel 4 has already said it is committing an extra £20 million to drama programming next year.