STV has axed its chat show The Hour – billed as Scotland's answer to Richard and Judy – after viewer numbers plunged.

The Hour, which began life as The Five Thirty Show in 2008, had recently moved to a new evening time slot.

However, the broadcaster has announced this Tuesday's episode of the daily magazine show was the last – barely a month after it had been shifted from its traditional 5pm slot to 8pm – due to falling ratings.

The decision was so sudden the show's hosts, Michelle McManus and Tam Cowan, did not even get the chance to say goodbye to their dwindling band of viewers, which had fallen by 30,000 to only 120,000 per edition since the move to the 8pm slot – far short of the 200,000 STV had hoped for.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, admitted the risk of moving it to the primetime slot had failed.

She said: "The Hour will not be continuing for the time being on STV. Television is all about taking risks and experimenting with programming and our schedule.

"On this occasion, the show isn't delivering the ratings that we expect.

"We're delighted with the performance of other STV shows including Scotland's Greatest Album and we'll be confirming plans for 2012 programming later this year."

Despite still billing itself as "Scotland's top TV magazine, featuring the best of Scotland in food and drink, homes and garden, star guests and tears and laughter", The Hour did not pull in enough viewers for its new weekly broadcast.

As yet no replacement has been announced.

STV insiders hinted the show – which aired live from the STV headquarters at Pacific Quay in Glasgow – could return in another form.