Steph McGovern's emotional speech on final Steph's Packed Lunch show

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Steph McGovern
Steph McGovern's emotional speech on final Steph's Packed Lunch show

Steph McGovern made an emotional speech as she kicked off the final episode of her Channel 4 show.

The presenter, 41, has fronted Steph's Packed Lunch 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 as it was broadcast live from Leeds.

At the start of its last ever episode, Steph was gathered around all her co-stars who have worked on the show over the past three years. She kicked off her show saying: "Today is our last show so we have got everyone here. Today is a proper family affair."

Steph McGovern's emotional speech on final Steph's Packed Lunch show eiqetiqhxideeinvSteph hosted the last ever episode of her show (Channel 4)

Steph then sat around her guests – who she affectionately calls Lunchmates – as she continued: "It is really lovely to have you all here and everyone watching at home. One of the reasons I have loved doing this show is because it is in the north. We get to shout out about all the creative things the north has to offer.

"It has been amazing to broadcast live from Leeds everyday. We have talked a lot of about the north, south divide, whether that really exists. what it means for jobs, transport and wealth and a lot of that being so London centric. I want to celebrate the north today."

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Ahead of going on air, Steph took to her social media to thank her viewers. She shared 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!"

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!"

Channel 4 announced the show was going to be axed two months ago and opened up about their decision. 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 by extending it by an extra half an hour.

Mia O'Hare

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