Liverpool has lost its bid to host Channel 4’s new headquarters.
The city was among several across the UK under consideration as the broadcaster prepares to relocate from its current London base.
But an announcement from Channel 4 on Monday confirmed that the shortlist is now down to six ahead of October’s final decision.
Council leader Joe Anderson had revealed Liverpool’s failure earlier and claimed that city’s inability to secure a HS2 link was behind the decision.
“Sorry to announce Liverpool has not been shortlisted for C4 relocation or Hub,” he wrote on Twitter.
“A huge thank you everyone who supported the bid. Sad to be told a big problem was Liverpool not being connected transport wise.
“Exactly why not getting HS2 link is wrong and short-sighted.”
Channel 4’s chief commercial officer Jonathan Allan said: “We have again had to take some very difficult decisions on which cities to take forward to the next stage.
“But we believe the six cities we have selected are best able to deliver against our vision and requirements for the new national HQ and creative hubs.”
Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham, Greater Manchester and Leeds remain in the final running to become the new home of Channel 4.