IT’S the parlour game that’s sparked thousands of break-ups and now Pictionary has experienced an estrangement of its own.
The Sun can reveal ITV has called time on Mel Giedroyc’s television version of the beloved game after a single series.
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The classic guessing game in which one team member draws a scenario for a group to guess didn’t capture fans and grab ratings.
It’s odd timing, though, as the axe comes just as the channel announces the launch of ITV Quiz, where game shows will stream 24/7 and, presumably, Pictionary would’ve felt right at home.
An ITV spokesperson said: “There are no plans at this stage to make any more Pictionary.”
The programme featured celebrity guests including Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, Brian Conley and Denise Van Outen.
It offered cash prizes and holidays for the winners when it ran from Christmas 2024 through to February of this year.
A source said: “So many quiz shows have been inspired by beloved board games and the assumption was Pictionary would become an instant hit.
“Sadly the ratings were poor and celebrity-led panels require a budget, which in this case wasn’t deemed worth expending.”
The news will come as a blow to former Great British Bake Off co-host Mel.
A huge fan of the original board game, she was delighted to land the gig and seemed confident of landing a second series, signing off from the final show in February with the comment: “We’ll be back soon with more Pictionary.”
But ITV are keeping her busy on another quiz format instead, Win Win, alongside her sidekick Sue Perkins.