Channel 4 has announced that next year's series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' has been axed.
The decision not to screen the series comes after a race row engulfed the previous series of the reality show.
Channel 4 said that the decision was made as part of a programme of "creative renewal".
The series, which previously attracted huge ratings, is expected to return in 2009.
Channel 4 said the decision is part of a policy to clear almost all returning series from the heart of its peak time schedule in the first half of 2008 in pursuit of new and adventurous programming.
The broadcaster also said the show's departure from the schedule was not related to criticisms of the current series of non-celebrity 'Big Brother'.
Last year's 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemates were at the centre of controversy when members of the public complained that Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty was being bullied in the house.
A host of returning series such as 'You Are What You Eat', 'Brat Camp' and 'It's Me or the Dog' will come to an end.
The only returning series now currently scheduled on Channel 4 at 9pm for the first half of 2008 is 'Grand Designs'.
The decision not to run 'Celebrity Big Brother' will mean 29 hours of new programmes will be needed to fill the gap in January.
To pay for these programmes, the channel will reduce its annual spend on acquired US TV series by £10 million next year.
