Heartbroken Strictly star breaks silence as Steph McGovern’s Channel 4 show axed

Steph McGovern apologises after Alan Johnson says ‘bloody’

John Whaite penned an emotional tribute to the production team following the announcement Steph McGovern’s show has been dropped.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 34, took to Instagram and penned: “Breaking my little insta-pause to post about this. I’m sure you’ve read the deeply sad news that Steph’s Packed Lunch will not be returning after December.

“I want to shout, as loud as possible, about how brilliant the team have been. The eclectic mix of folk from a hodgepodge of backgrounds and generations worked tirelessly to try to keep the integrity of a 100-year-old industry alive, and bring lunchtime entertainment and company to many a household.

“What they created was a show that was as diverse as it was welcoming, and I hope each and every one of them continue to thrive wherever the wind next takes them, because they deserve nothing but success.”

He went on to thank the editorial team adding he was honoured to have worked with them.

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“And finally I hope that Steph, Vivek, Matt and all the people at the top feel nothing but immense pride for creating a ground-breaking, inclusive show,” John continued.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to be a small part of Steph’s Packed Lunch. In many tiny ways, it changed my life.”

The TV chef concluded: “Maybe it’s time to start selling photos of my bare ar*e on OnlyFans, again…”.

He also shared a photo on his stories which he captioned: “It’s the company I’ll miss the most. Deep pride for every single member of the Steph’s Packed Lunch team,” followed by a heartbroken emoji.

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John’s comment section was flooded with comments, as one person wrote: “A big mistake Channel 4. It’s been a great show with some great conversations and great presenters, wonderful TV at the best time of day when you sit down for lunch. Good luck to everyone involved that are now moving on.”

Another penned: “Oh no! That’s a huge shame.”

While a third penned: “Hang on how have I missed this? Why is it not returning? It’s literally the best daytime TV show there is! Gutted.”

The popular Channel 4 lunchtime show, Steph’s Packed Lunch, first launched back in 2020 as host Steph broadcast from her home during lockdown.

The statement released by Channel 4 earlier today read: “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.”

Cast and crew have been informed that the last show will air in December.

Steph’s Packed Lunch airs weekdays on Channel 4 at 12pm.

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