Steph McGovern addressed replacing Holly on This Morning days before show axe
Steph McGovern hinted that she would consider taking over Holly Willoughby’s role on This Morning just days before it was revealed her lunchtime Channel 4 show has been axed.
The 41-year-old TV host has presented her own series, titled Steph’s Packed Lunch, on Channel 4 since March 2020 but it was revealed this week that the show will be coming to an end by the close of the year. While it has been reported that Channel 4 bosses’ decision to axe the show came ‘out of the blue’ it is possible Steph herself was aware of behind-the-scenes movements as she openly discussed the possibility of defecting to ITV just days before the cancellation news was revealed.
Steph was asked in an interview if she would consider taking over the empty seat left by 42-year-old Holly on This Morning - who quit the long-running ITV daytime show earlier this month. She also revealed she had never met Holly in person herself - and hinted she would consider taking over her sofa.
Speaking to the MailOnline about Holly and her decision to quit This Morning, Steph said: "I don't know her - I know she's a fantastic broadcaster, so I wish her well. I don't think I've actually even met her before." And when asked if she would consider taking her old job, Steph added: "I'm very happy at Channel 4, but never say never."
Steph McGovern was asked about replacing Holly Willoughby on This Morning mere days before her Channel 4 show was axed (Channel 4)The bombshell news of Steph’s Packed Lunch being cancelled was revealed on Thursday - with the show coming to a an end after three years. A statement from Channel 4 read: “Steph has not only made the nation’s lunchtimes more entertaining and brilliantly reflected the views and pre-occupations of the country, but the show has also been an outstanding springboard for developing local talent behind the scenes.
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“However, with audience habits changing quicker than ever, we have to make difficult decisions about which programmes to invest in to best drive our digital-first strategy and we have decided not to recommission Steph’s Packed Lunch when its existing production contract ends in December 2023. We remain as committed as ever to our mission to help level up the TV industry outside London and to our 50% origination out of London target. We will be reinvesting the budget previously committed to Steph’s Packed Lunch into other nations and regions productions.”
Holly Willoughby quit This Morning earlier this month (ITV)The statement added: “We have almost 500 roles outside of London and this will continue to increase over the next few years. We will continue to build on the legacy of the show, evolving what we do in line with our digital ambitions whilst continuing to reflect the lives of, and give a voice to, all our audiences across the UK and hope to work with Steph on other projects soon.”
Steph returned to air on Friday hours after news of her show being axed was made public - but she seemed as carefree and upbeat as always. Addressing her audience, she began her show saying: "Welcome to a very packed lunch Friday at Leeds Dock. Now, later we'll be having a chat with 11-year-old George who had to deliver his baby sister, he's the son of out Lunchmate Danny and step-mum Sophie, they've got the baby with them. Also on the show we're back with Between the Sheets with Naked Attraction's Anna Richardson to solve more relationship dilemmas."
Fans were surprised to see Steph refusing to comment on the fact her show would be over before the end of the year. One viewer wrote on X: "No mention of the elephant in the room on #StephsPackedLunch .... very weird".
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