08 December 2023 , 08:54
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Steph McGovern has broken her silence on Channel 4 bosses' decision to pull the plug on Steph's Packed Lunch as she prepared for the final show.
The presenter, 41, fronted the show for three years before it was announced that it was coming to an end. Channel 4 said it is “incredibly proud” of all the programme has achieved and credited it for “kick-starting” the channel’s growth in the north of England. The broadcaster said the budget for the show will now be reallocated to other programmes in the nations and regions.
With the final episode airing today, Steph took to Instagram to share a photo of her cue cards, earpiece and microphone sitting on a table. Speaking about the final episode, she said: "For one last time……. today 12 - 2.10 @packedlunchc4 on @channel4. My cue cards, my earpiece and my microphone."
Heartbroken fans rushed to the comment section to complain about the axe, with one user saying: "Will be watching - how this brilliant programme is being scrapped given the tripe that remains is beyond me. Have a great last show," while another said: "Very sad for you and the team. Big, big mistake cancelling it. Have a great last show Steph, you are the best!"
Steph McGovern breaks silence on Channel 4 show axe ahead of final Packed Lunch (Channel 4)One user posted: "Absolutely gutted this is the last show. Channel 4 are bonkers getting rid of all you lovely people.. let’s hope you return soon to our screens. My lunchtimes will never be the same again. Wishing you all the best of luck and the happiest of Christmas, each and everyone one of you are amazing."
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Celebrity friends also rallied around the star as Giovanna Fletcher wrote: "Sending everyone so much love! What a show. I always loved my time up in Leeds and the work we created out of the studio tackling brilliant subjects. A welcoming and fun environment, always!"
Steph shared a snap of her cue cards (stephlunch/Instagram)Channel 4 released a statement two months ago about their decision to axe the series. They said Steph's Packed Lunch made people's lunchtimes 'more entertaining and brilliantly reflected the views and pre-occupations of the country' before explaining that 'audience habits have changed'.
The Channel 4 show, presented by journalist and broadcaster Steph, debuted in 2020. The show is live and features items including showbiz interviews, food, news, and consumer advice and is broadcast from Leeds Dock. Earlier this year, in March, host Steph announced a major change to the daytime show as there were plans to make it even bigger.
Steph's Packed Lunch was axed by Channel 4 (Channel 4)From March onwards, Steph's Packed Lunch aired for an extra half hour, starting at the earlier time of 12 pm every weekday. The extra-long show was welcomed by avid fans of the programme – who were sad to hear that it would be coming to an end for good this afternoon.
Steph's Packed Lunch airs its final show at 12pm on Channel 4*