BBC Four presenters have pleaded with the corporation to safeguard the future of the channel amid reports that it could be closed.

The BBC has been undergoing significant cost-cutting measures for several years and in 2016 decided to close BBC Three as a linear service, turning it into an online-only proposition.

Last week a report in industry magazine Broadcast suggested that BBC Four could be "quietly run down" and also moved online, with its £44 million annual programme budget being slashed in the process.

Historian Lucy Worsley, whose new show Lucy Worsley's Royal Photo Album began on the channel last night, wrote on Twitter: "NEW SHOW on @BBCFour tonight - and long may those who love @BBCFour continue to read those words!"

Art historian Dr Janina Ramirez followed up Worsley's message asking viewers to make clear how important BBC Four is by posting messages of support with the hashtag #LoveBBCFour.

"I for one think it's the most amazing channel, unlike any other! What do you love most? Share your thoughts and let @bbc know you #LoveBBCFour," she wrote, adding: "Word on the street is we NEED to let @bbc know we want @BBCFOUR to STAY!!!! Use the hashtag #LoveBBCFour. Spread it, share it, shout about it or we lose it...... go!!!!"

BBC Four launched in 2002 as a replacement for the defunct BBC Knowledge channel and has a current audience share of around 1.2%.