The BBC has canceled three long-running entertainment programs – Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind, and Live at the Apollo – as part of a plan to save £500 million ($664 million) over the coming years. The corporation described the move as “difficult decisions,” adding that it was “incredibly proud” of all three shows but must make savings amid a funding crisis. The cancellations are the latest in a series of cuts across the UK broadcaster, which faces a squeezed license fee and rising costs. Blankety Blank, a game show hosted by Bradley Walsh, had been revived in 2021 after a long hiatus. Celebrity Mastermind, a celebrity version of the classic quiz, has aired regularly since 2003. Live at the Apollo, a stand-up comedy showcase, has been a staple of BBC comedy programming for two decades. No immediate details were given about possible replacements or the timing of the final episodes. The BBC has previously warned of further cuts to programming as it seeks to close a budget gap driven by inflationary pressures and a freeze in the television license fee. The cancellations underscore the challenging financial environment for public service broadcasters in the UK.