Despite claims that the Channel 4 programme was cancelled owing to financial restrictions, Naked Attraction is set to return for a new season next year.
Since 2016, the late-night dating programme has featured six nude persons gradually showing their bodies from the feet upwards as a clothed person decides who they wish to date.
The Anna Richardson-led show has made several headlines over the years, with one recent episode including a married couple looking for a third member to join their partnership.
The Mail on Sunday first reported that Naked Attraction had been cancelled in order to save money for the network.
One insider told the publication: ‘The casting team were already in place to start on Naked Attraction and were all told they were no longer needed as they were not making another series.
‘They tried to lessen the blow to the show’s freelance crew by saying they hope to make another series in December, but that doesn’t help them now.’
However, Channel 4 has stated that the popular show will return in 2024.
A spokesperson for the network said: ‘Naked Attraction has not been decommissioned and a new series will return to Channel 4 next year.
‘Channel 4 is in robust health, however, like all commercial broadcasters we’re taking some precautionary measures, such as rephrasing some content and production, in response to a downturn in the ad-market.
‘The vast majority of our shows have not been affected.’
Several popular Channel 4 programmes, including The Last Leg, Four Weddings, and Escape To The Chateau, have been cancelled in recent weeks.
The Last Leg presenter Adam Hills responded to the cancellation of his panel programme with a fantastic one-liner on Friday.
The 52-year-old Australian comedian has hosted the show since its inception alongside the 2012 Summer Paralympics, and has previously described it as “three guys with four legs talking about the week” because he was born without a right foot and co-host Alex Brooker had his right leg amputated as a baby.
In response to the programme’s cancellation, Adam joked on Twitter, ‘I mean, if ever there’s a show that can cope with losing a few bits, it’s ours.’