Argumental, the comedy show hosted by John Sergeant, looks set to be axed.

Starring Marcus Brigstocke and Rufus Hound as team captains, Argumental was launched by digital channel Dave in 2008 and soon picked up a loyal fan base. The format sees two teams putting aside their personal private views to take the opposing sides of an argument - for example "London should not host the Olympics in 2012". One side arguing for the statement, the other against.

Frankie Boyle, Phill Jupitus, Sean Lock, Dara O'Briain, Lucy Porter, Mark Watson and Jimmy Carr are amongst the guests who have appeared multiple times across the three series. Argumental has generated some talking points too, perhaps most memorably when Rufus Hound - arguing in favour of naturism - stripped completely naked to prove his point.

In 2009, the BBC bought repeat rights to certain episodes from Series 2, and thus some editions of the show have been seen on BBC Two as well. The 40th episode of Argumental, a highlights special, is set to be broadcast on Dave this Tuesday, however British Comedy Guide understands that it's unlikely the show will return for a fourth series, at least not in its present format.

Speaking to BCG, Marcus Brigstocke confirmed: "The news is John Sergeant, Rufus Hound and I will not be used if Dave decide to recommission Argumental. I'm gutted."

March 2011 Update - Brigstocke and Hound confirmed on 24 Hour Panel People that they had been 'fired' from the show and the show was either dead, or producers were looking to bring back the format but with different comedians.

Fans have started a petition, which says: "The main trio of John Sergeant, Marcus Brigstocke and Rufus Hound meshed so well together, the show was a joy to watch. Bar the time that Rufus was doing naked cartwheels, obviously."

It adds: "Even the BBC noticed its appeal and aired some episodes on their network; surely a sign of something decent going on? We all feel that renewing Argumental for another season would be an excellent idea, and something Dave should reconsider. Please, please vote Red and Blue - and bring back Argumental."

Here is a popular Argumental clip, in which Jimmy Carr struggles to argue that a threesome is better in the imagination than in real life. See the link below for our guide to the show and additional video clips.