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<\/p>\nCHANNEL 4 is axing its flagship daytime show Steph's Packed Lunch – the latest in a "bloodbath" of controversial cuts.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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The Bafta-nominated programme, hosted by Steph McGovern, was also the channel's first high profile regional launch, based at Leeds Dock.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
"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.<\/p>\n
"Channel 4 is supposed to be a public service broadcaster, offering viewing something a bit different, and pushing boundaries.<\/p>\n
"And to axe a regional-based show seems like yet another cronyism move by an out-of-touch bunch of north London-luvvie execs."<\/p>\n Cast and crew have been informed that the last show will air in December.<\/p>\n A C4 spokesperson said:\u00a0\u201cChannel 4 is incredibly proud of all that Steph\u2019s Packed Lunch has achieved since its launch from Steph\u2019s living room during lockdown nearly four years ago."<\/p>\n Referring to the companies who made the show, they added: "We\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n "Steph has not only made the nation\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n "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\u2019s Packed Lunch when its existing production contract ends in December 2023.<\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n "We will be reinvesting the budget previously committed to Steph\u2019s Packed Lunch into other Nations and Regions productions.<\/p>\n "We have almost 500 roles outside of London and this will continue to increase over the next few years.<\/p>\n "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.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokesperson for Expectation and Can Can said:\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ve had over three fantastic years producing Steph\u2019s Packed Lunch together and working with the brilliant Steph McGovern and the outstanding on-screen family of talent.<\/p>\n "We\u2019re very disappointed that despite building a loyal audience we don\u2019t get to continue brightening up 12-2 on Channel 4.<\/p>\n "Leeds didn\u2019t have a live television community four years ago and it\u2019s been a privilege to build a team which boasts some of the brightest, sharpest TV producers in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n Steph's Packed Lunch memorably launched from the presenter's own home at the height of Covid.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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."<\/p>\n Meanwhile, this is the latest Channel 4 show to be chopped.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Staff at the channel are reportedly calling it a "bloodbath" in the wake of shows including Naked Attraction, SAS Who Dares Wins, Rescue: Extreme Medics and Four Weddings.<\/p>\n Other formats including Friday night favourite The Last Leg are being shortened in order to save money.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/newspress-collage-23374643-1691399904968.jpg\")
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