Huge Channel 4 daytime show AXED – with host in the running for Holly Willoughby’s This Morning job
CHANNEL 4 is axing its flagship daytime show Steph’s Packed Lunch – the latest in a “bloodbath” of controversial cuts.
Devastated staff on the show were informed of the decision earlier today – with corporation bosses blaming it on the need to “compete with streamers” such as Netflix and Apple TV.
The Bafta-nominated programme, hosted by Steph McGovern, was also the channel’s first high profile regional launch, based at Leeds Dock.
Last night 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.
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“And to axe a regional-based show seems like yet another cronyism move by an out-of-touch bunch of north London-luvvie execs.”
Cast and crew have been informed that the last show will air in December.
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.”
Steph’s Packed Lunch memorably launched from the presenter‘s own home at the height of Covid.
Since moving to a specially built studio later that year, it has featured a string of well-known faces as well as a panel of regulars including Denise Van Outen, former Bake-Off star John Whaite and chef Simon Rimmer.
Last month ITV‘s This Morning poached exec producer Vivek Sharmar a huge champion of Middlesbrough-born Steph, 41 – meaning the star is now in the frame to take over from Holly Willoughby.
Asked at the Attitude awards last week about whether she would be interested in a move, Steph replied: “I’m very happy at Channel 4 doing Steph’s Packed Lunch but never say never.”
Meanwhile, this is the latest Channel 4 show to be chopped, with money running out to fund them.
Staff at the channel are reportedly calling it a “bloodbath” in the wake of shows including Naked Attraction, SAS Who Dares Wins, Scared Of The Dark, Rescue: Extreme Medics, Four Weddings and big-money flop, commissioned by controversial C4 number two Ian Katz, Rise And Fall.
Other formats including Friday night favourite The Last Leg are being shortened in order to save money.
Channel 4 has also instructed lawyers to thrash out deals with heads of production companies to get out of contracts for shows which are worth millions of pounds – meaning it has been left with expensive legal bills and exit fees.
The crisis comes after boss Alex Mahon and Chief Content Officer Katz fought off a Government plan to privatise it, with one of their arguments being that it funds independent production companies nationwide.