Popular game show Winning Streak has been cancelled this year, RTE bosses have confirmed.
The hit show hosted by Marty Whelan and Sinead Kennedy won't return this Autumn due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions which are currently in place.
In a statement the National Lottery and RTE said they were "disappointed to postpone the show" but given current restrictions they said producing the programme while managing social distancing in studio "provides too much risk to players, their families (who travel from all over the country to support the player) and the staff of RTE, National Lottery."
RTE and Lotto bosses also announced that two additional shows would still take place but behind closed doors with no audience and neither of the shows will broadcast.
The statement adds: "On the last Winning Streak show, March 7, five players were drawn to appear on the next episode, which would have aired on March 21.
"Before this could happen, the government restrictions in movement due to Covid-19 were introduced and unfortunately this resulted in the postponement of the March 21 show.
"The players were contacted and advised of the situation together with our intention to reschedule for a later date.
"Additionally, in March we announced that any player who still had a three-star entry should continue to send those into the National Lottery until the 10 August in line with game rules and they would be included in a catch all draw at a later date.
"Two game shows will now take place, one for those drawn in the catch-all draw and one for those drawn for the postponed show of March 21.
"Each player will get the opportunity to play the full suite of Winning Streak games with the same prizes on offer, whilst at all times ensuring all social distancing and health and safety guidelines are followed.
"This event will not be broadcast on RTÉ television. Attendance will be in strict adherence to Government guidelines and will include players, the requisite National Lottery and KPMG personnel.
"The date for the event will be decided in the coming weeks in line with the most up-to-date guidance on public health measures. We will contact players directly in the coming weeks with the details of the event."
Winning Streak scratch cards, which were due to go on sale in August, will not go on sale until further notice.
