IRISH COMEDY AND sketch show Republic of Telly has been axed after eight years on RTÉ.

The news was confirmed today after news of it possibly being axed was reported by the Irish Sun last November.

The show had led to spin-offs like Bridget and Eamon, and was also the push behind the Rubberbandits’ Horse Outside video.

RTÉ reports that: “It’s understood that the relatively high cost of producing the show, as well as a desire to freshen up the schedule was behind the decision”.

The station is said to be looking for a replacement for the long-running show.

In a statement, RTÉ said that RTÉ2 is looking at a number of new comedy and entertainment series for the station for broadcast later this year which it will announce over the coming months.

Adrian Lynch, Channel Controller RTÉ One and RTÉ 2 said:

We want to thank host Kevin McGahern and all the hosts and teams involved in making the show over the last eight years. Republic of Telly has been a brilliant vehicle for developing talent both on and off-screen, from Damo & Ivor to Bridget and Eamon and The Rubberbandits, and broke the mould in how it engaged with viewers and brought Irish comedy acts to a wider audience.

RTÉ2 is looking at a number of new comedy and entertainment series for RTÉ2 for broadcast later this year which we’ll announce over the coming months.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, one of the show’s presenters Edwin Sammon said:

“It’s a shame it’s gone but you know every show has its lifespan and every show has its time, so I’m just happy I got to be included in the menagerie of funny people in front of and behind the cameras.”

“I just hope that RTÉ replace it with something that really supports the up-and-coming talent that we have and give it a platform to be seen by wider audience, so I just hope that it’s onwards and upwards as far as comedy on RTÉ is concerned.”

The others stars of the show have also been commenting on the news:

Read the full interview with Edwin Sammon and his new comedy tour about his cancer treatment on TheJournal.ie tonight at 8pm.

Read: Kevin McGahern’s ‘investigation’ into Toy Show ticket touting was his most hard-hitting work yet>