Legendary children's channel CITV closes down after 40 years on air

ITV's children's channel CITV has officially closed after 40 years on air.   

The brand was originally launched back in 1983 as an afternoon segment on ITV, before being moved to its own channel in 2006.

Since its debut, CITV has been the home of many British TV classic, and kickstarted the careers of stars such as Holly Willoughby, Ant and Dec and Stephen Mulhern.

The standalone channel originally closed in 2023 so ITV could move its entire slate of children's programming to its streaming platform ITVX, with a dedicated destination called ITVX Kids.

CITV still existed with its own dedicated block on digital channel ITV2 each day. 

However, media accounts have shared on social media that this will officially end on April 10.

One industry account reported: 'This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that's been around for 42 years.

'Farewell CITV, this time for real. CBBC will have some of CITV's programming while the rest will be under ITVX Kids.'

Another account confirming the news said: 'CITV is coming to an end, for good. After the channel closed in 2023, there’s been a CITV block on ITV2 every day, but this ends on 10th April. The new home for children’s content will be on ITVX Kids.' 

Reacting to the news, one fan said: 'That's actually depressing. Citv was my childhood.'

Another penned: 'They stopped making original content like 5+ years ago and was just airing shows other places have though. It was such a insult it did not even get a real send off on ITV either.'

'End of an era …. I remember watching the Pokémon movies on this channel.'; 'This channel was my childhood, loved switching it on in the mornings before school, it will be missed.'; 'End of an era.'

For years, ITV struggled to match the BBC when it came to Saturday morning programming, but in 1998 they launched SMTV: Live.

The show was hosted by Ant and Dec and Cat Deeley, and featured a myriad of famous sketches and segments including Eat My Goal and Wonky Donkey.

One of the show's most legendary moments came during their Friends spoof Chums, with Dec set to 'marry' Cat in front of a star-studded audience that included big names such as Amanda Holden, Denise Van Outen and Frank Skinner.

While the trio departed the show in 2001, it continued to air with a selection of new hosts such as Brian Dowling, Tess Daly and Stephen Mulhern, before ending for good in 2003.

The show launched the careers of its original three hosts, and they even reunited in 2021 for a one-off Chums sketch in honour of SMTV's belated anniversary.

Art Attack became one of CITVs' most long-running shows hitting the network in 1990 and airing for 17 years.

Hosted by art guru-turned rock musician Neil Buchanan, the show saw him demonstrate an array of works step-by-step.

The creations would always include a so-called 'Big Art Attack,' which would be produced on a grand life-size scale.

Neil's skills with art were so renowned, he was even the subject of a conspiracy theory from users believing he was the mysterious artist Banksy.

While the show ended in 2007, it was revived by Disney Junior for four years in 2011.

CITV had difficult shoes to fill when SMTV came to an end in 2003, but they continued their run of Saturday Morning success stories with the chaotic Ministry of Mayhem.

Known for gunging its guests and crazy games, the show kickstarted the careers of British TV favourites Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, while Michael Underwood also appeared during its first five months.

The show was later renamed Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown, and aired from January 2004 to July 2006.

In recent years, many classic clips of Holly's kids TV days have resurfaced, including the moment she dressed up as a French maid.

During an interview with the Daily Mail, Holly previously revealed: 'I spent three years of my life dressed as a French maid… and it certainly got a response, but I don't like to think about all the boys who harboured crushes on me.

'I inevitably ended up covered in cake when I wore it, and cream is just the worst thing. No matter how hard you scrub, you can't get the smell of a custard pie off your skin.'

When news of the CITV channel's closure emerged, Stephen Mulhern said: 'Hello all, CITV started my career in TV, it was an incredibly special time learning the craft of how to present live TV.

'I will forever be thankful for every opportunity it has delivered. Great people, great shows and great times x'

A Place in the Sun's Leah Charles-King, who also presented the show, said: 'Goodbye #CITV!

'The end of an era. You launched my TV career almost 25 years ago, like many who came before and after me. You were my chosen kids channel growing up & it was a dream to become a @ChildrensITV presenter & part of your legacy. You’ll be missed. #CITVFarewell ❤️'

Meanwhile a producer for the show added: 'Sad to hear CITV is closing today.

'25 years ago this month, I moved to London with no money and no contacts, and got my first job, launching CITV's sister channel, Carlton Kids.

'I ended up hosting 200 shows and became their youngest producer. Life is all about taking risks.'