Channel 4 announces Steph’s Packed Lunch to be axed after 3 years

Channel 4 has announced that Steph’s Packed Lunch with Steph McGovern is set to be axed after three years.

In a statement released by the broadcaster, a spokesperson said: "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."

Channel 4

In a statement sent to Tyla, a Channel 4 spokesperson said that they were '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'.

"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."

They continued: "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.

Channel 4

"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, which was once known as The Steph Show, launched in March 2020, just one week after the first Covid-19 lockdown.

The show was originally broadcasted directly from Steph’s home, because of the impact of the pandemic. It was later rebranded as Steph’s Packed Lunch after a brief hiatus.

The programme was nominated for a BAFTA in March last year and some other highlights from the show’s short run include the time the host had a smear test live on air to encourage others to not feel embarrassed about cervical screenings.

Fans have already started expressing their sorrow about the show’s cancellation. One fan remarked: “‘Gutted @PackedLunchC4 I think this show is brilliant – a real loss that it’s going .”