Hugely popular kids TV channel to close in just days after getting axed by ITV

ITVX Kids was launched in July and will replace the long-running CITV which has been broadcasting since 2006.

Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITVX said:  “We’re really excited to launch this dedicated destination for kids on ITVX, which will be home to a wealth of content including new series, recognisable brands and existing favourites for a range of ages, all in one child-safe area, with editorial curation to guide viewing."

ITV will still show some children's shows, with ITV2 airing early morning content while ITVBe will continue to show the LittleBe pre-school segment.

The first programme to air on CITV was Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern's Saturday Showdown.

It was recently reported that Stephen, 46, and another of his former co-hosts, Danielle Nicholls, were in talks with ITV to reunite for a new show.

Insiders told the : "It's understood that Danielle and Stephen have remained close friends for many years. He is Godparent to two of Danielle’s children.

"It’s also known that Danielle has recently been in ‘conversations’ with some high up executives at ITV."

The insider added: "ITV have wanted to put them back together, but they just said it was a case of 'right job, right place, right time."