Channel 4 bloodbath as four shows get the chop after Steph's Packed Lunch

20 October 2023 , 15:09

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Channel 4 bloodbath as four shows get the chop after Steph's Packed Lunch

The cancellation of Steph's Packed Lunch is simply the latest of Channel 4's 'bloodbath' as the broadcaster axes a number of shows in order to cut back costs.

Steph McGovern's daytime chat show, which began in 2020, is set to come to an end in December while the budget for the show will now be reallocated to other productions on Channel 4. The channel released a statement on Thursday about the 'outstanding springboard for developing local talent' and said they decided not to recommission it after three seasons as 'audience habits have been changing quicker than ever'. 

Previous shows that were axed include SAS: Who Dares Wins and fan-favourite The Big Narstie Show. Other programmes that were also given the chop included Scared Of The Dark and the medical documentary Rescue: Extreme Medics. While Five Dates A Week was axed earlier this year.

Channel 4 recently cancelled Steph's Packed Lunch (TeessideLive)

After a series of cancellations earlier this year, concerned fans were worried for the future of Naked Attraction, but Channel 4 confirmed the controversial programme will return for another series. A spokesperson said: "Naked Attraction has not been decommissioned and a new series will return to Channel 4 next year."

However, the statement acknowledge other programming axes by the broadcaster as it continued: "Scared of the Dark enjoyed a celebrated first season with excellent linear and streaming performance. Channel 4 is in robust health – however like all commercial broadcasters, we’re taking some precautionary measures – such as rephrasing some content and production – in response to a downturn in the ad market.

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The Big Narstie Show also got the chop (Channel 4)

"The vast majority of our shows have not been affected." Following the announcement of the end of Steph's Packed Lunch, the host appeared on the show on Friday as usual but didn't address the news. After the opening credits rolled, Steph ignored the news as she introduced the show and gave viewers a lowdown on what to expect on the programme.

"Welcome to a very packed lunch Friday at Leeds Dock," she began in a chirpy tone. "Now, later we'll be having a chat with 11-year-old George who had to deliver his baby sister, he's the son of our Lunchmate Danny and step-mum Sophie, they've got the baby with them," she said.

Steph then added: "Also on the show, we're back with Between the Sheets with Naked Attraction's Anna Richardson to solve more relationship dilemmas." As she continued to give a lowdown of the day's programming schedule, viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to react to Steph ignoring the news of the show's axing.

One said: "No mention of the elephant in the room on #StephsPackedLunch .... very weird". While another predicted Steph was aware of the news before the announcement and teased she could make a move over to ITV: "#stephspackedlunch probably well aware it was going to happen, see if she turns up on This Morning".

Zara Woodcock