Steph McGovern breaks silence on Packed Lunch axe with lengthy statement

The former BBC Breakfast star spoke out on Instagram in a lengthy post on Friday December 15, a week on from the final edition of the daytime Channel 4 show airing.

Steph McGovern has broken her silence after Steph's Packed Lunch’s final show on Channel 4. The former BBC Breakfast star spoke out on Instagram in a lengthy post on Friday December 15, a week on from the final edition of the daytime Channel 4 show airing.

She wrote: "This time last week - the final @packedlunchc4 team pic (not everyone is in it, but it’s a good chunk of us). It’s been nearly 5 years since the show idea was pitched to me (I was battling pregnancy sickness and 3am starts on BBC Breakfast at the time).

"The dealbreaker for me (after money ) was that the show had to be authentic and reflect the real lives of our viewers AND our workplace had to make everyone feel welcome….whether you were with us for an hour or 4 years.

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"I am so proud of what our amazing team achieved so please allow me a moment to blow their trumpet…… In 4 years - we turned a pub in Leeds Dock into a cracking TV studio (after starting the show in my house in lockdown), we employed loads of people from the local area (with many having never worked in telly before), we promoted talented people quickly, we provided work experience to countless people of all ages in all parts of the show (many of them getting jobs from this too) and we gave lots of people their first break presenting on the telly too."

Steph went on: "We built a Northern powerhouse. And on top of that we put out 675 episodes, got a BAFTA nomination, gave a voice to people/topics that other programmes didn’t and had a proper laugh along the way.

"Thank you to everyone who made that happen and of course to all of our fabulous viewers who were a crucial part of our dysfunctional family too. The messages we’ve had from you have been incredible. Thank you." In reply, fans rushed to support the star.

"Whoever made the decision to cancel this programme is bonkers, a million times better than other day time shows!!!!" Nikki said. Culbs said: "Can't believe that this brilliant programme has finished. Its the best show i have seen on TV for years- original, groundbreaking and you and your team are fabulous.

"I wish another channel would pick it up! Wishing you all the best"