Johnny and Denise face BBC axe

Johnny Vaughan and Denise Van Outen are facing the axe after yet another dip in the ratings for their new BBC show.

Passport To Paradise, a general entertainment show airing on Saturday nights, began four weeks ago with 4.1 million viewers but had dropped to just 3.3 million by last week and a dismal 2.8 million this week.

On Saturday it was beaten by a 17-year-old repeat of Miss Marple on BBC Two, which had 2.9 million.

Speaking to the Media Guardian today, BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey said that, despite the low figures, she hadn't yet ruled out commissioning a second series. "It's way to early to say at this stage, but there is nothing that I have seen so far that would make me say no," she said.

"It's not just about ratings. We are about growing shows at the BBC and we have already done much to improve it over its four week run."

Passport To Paradise is the pair's first show together since working together on The Big Breakfast four years ago.