THE BBC has been forced to defend its decision to axe wildlife show Autumnwatch after 17 years.
Viewers were left devastated by the move with more than 100 complaints.
The BBC have now hit back at the complaints, admitting it was a "difficult decision" for the broadcaster to make.
In a statement released to its complaints website, the BBC said they had to scrap one of the spin-offs to due to lack of financial resources.
The statement began: "These are challenging times financially and we need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact.
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"Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing.
"Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, which will continue, as they are most popular with audiences."
The broadcaster then shocked fans when it revealed that the winter series will be shortened.
They continued: "We remain committed to live natural history programming and recognise the importance audiences place on this, its value to society and the enjoyment it brings people in their lives.
"We are incredibly proud of the Watches and would like to thank the presenters and production team who will continue on Springwatch when it returns in May for three weeks, and Winterwatch when it returns next year for one week, reduced from two weeks."
Many fans were left disappointed by this new shake-up.
One wrote: "If the BBC really are planning to get rid of Autumnwatch (and Springwatch, plus Winterwatch too?) it will be a really sad day for Britain's wildlife.
"Because Autumnwatch is so informative and interesting to watch and helps to keep people up to date about Britain's wildlife."
Another added: "Since the people are forced to pay for a TV license; why can't we decide what the programming is?
"Shows which aren't just senseless propaganda are being dropped. Autumnwatch should not be cancelled, shows about the magic of the natural world are needed more than ever."
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The news comes just a week after Autumnwatch presenter Chris Packham cancelled all his TV work after suffering from "burn out".
Chris, who hosts Autumnwatch alongside its over iterations with Michaela Strachan, said he felt like he was "constantly running on a treadmill".
"I'm not going to buy a Ferrari and run off with a 20-year-old,' he told," The Mirror.
"I've never taken three months off work. Never.
"I can barely sleep I am so excited. I might have to ban [partner] Charlotte from the studios."
Chris revealed that he'll be using his well-deserved break to embark on a surprising new career.
He added: "I don't want any interference or disruption, I want to get on with it. It will be good to clear my head and focus on something completely different."