Why has Steph’s Packed Lunch been cancelled and when is the last episode?
EVERY lunchtime fans of Steph’s Packed Lunch look forward to tuning into their favourite show.
However, it has been revealed that Channel 4 are pulling the plug on the weekday show, and it has been cancelled.
Why has Steph’s Packed Lunch been cancelled?
On October 19, 2023, The Sun exclusively revealed how Channel 4 is axing its flagship daytime show Steph’s Packed Lunch.
Devastated staff on the show have been informed of the decision – with corporation bosses blaming it on the need to “compete with streamers” such as Netflix and Apple TV.
A source said: “This decision has come totally out of the blue; Steph’s Packed Lunch has been going from strength to strength, and has an incredibly loyal fanbase.
“It feels like Channel 4 are shooting themselves in the foot with this one – citing the need to do less live programming in order to go toe to toe with Netflix et al. It’s nonsense.
“Channel 4 is supposed to be a public service broadcaster, offering viewing something a bit different, and pushing boundaries.
“And to axe a regional-based show seems like yet another cronyism move by an out-of-touch bunch of north London-luvvie execs.”
When did Steph’s Packed Lunch start?
Steph’s Packed Lunch has been a staple of lunchtime viewing since it kicked off in 2020.
The show is broadcast live every weekday from the Channel 4 studio in Leeds.
If you’ve been a fan of Steph’s Packed Lunch from the beginning – then you will know the show started off with a completely different name.
In late 2019, Channel 4 announced that a new live daytime programme presented by McGovern called The Steph Show had been commissioned.
The pandemic then hit, and was famously broadcast from the host’s living room for a few months.
The show was then paused for a while, and when it returned in September 2020, it came back with a new name – Steph’s Packed Lunch.
The show is hosted by popular presenter Stephanie McGovern.
She started her career at the BBC and shot to fame when she became the main business presenter for BBC Breakfast – and often co-hosted the entire programme.
When is the last episode of Steph’s Packed Lunch?
Cast and crew have been informed that the last show will air in December 2023.
A C4 spokesperson said: “Channel 4 is incredibly proud of all that Steph’s Packed Lunch has achieved since its launch from Steph’s living room during lockdown nearly four years ago.”
Referring to the companies who made the show, they added: “We’re so grateful to Steph, Expectation, Can Can and the brilliant production team for creating a show that kick started our growth in the north of England.
“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.
“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.
“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.”