{"id":68918,"date":"2023-10-20T09:27:12","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T09:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/likecelebwn.com\/?p=68918"},"modified":"2023-10-20T09:27:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T09:27:12","slug":"strictly-star-shares-devastation-as-stephs-packed-lunch-is-axed-it-changed-my-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/likecelebwn.com\/tv-movies\/strictly-star-shares-devastation-as-stephs-packed-lunch-is-axed-it-changed-my-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Strictly star shares devastation as Steph\u2019s Packed Lunch is axed: It changed my life"},"content":{"rendered":"

John Whaite has shared his devastation at Channel 4 cancelling Steph's Packed Lunch in an emotional tribute where he says the daytime show "changed my life".<\/p>\n

The Great British Bake Off star, who was runner-up in Strictly Come Dancing 2021, is the programme's in-house chef where he works closely with show host Steph McGovern.<\/p>\n

Channel 4 announced yesterday, 19th October, that Steph's Packed Lunch would wrap up in December, with cast and crew apparently hearing the sad news on the same day.<\/p>\n

John, 34, posted some pictures of himself with his colleagues from the show on Instagram and wrote a heartfelt message marking the show's axe.<\/p>\n


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He wrote: "Breaking my little insta-pause to post about this. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve read the deeply sad news that Steph\u2019s Packed Lunch will not be returning after December. <\/p>\n

"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. <\/p>\n

"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."<\/p>\n


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Sharing the show's effect on his life, he continued: "The food team – Courtney, Sarah and the talented home economists – have been a lifeline to me on so many occasions, and it\u2019s been an honour to work with them (and the rest of the production and editorial teams) for the past 3 years. <\/p>\n

"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. <\/p>\n

"It has been an honour and a privilege to be a small part of Steph\u2019s Packed Lunch. In many tiny ways, it changed my life."<\/p>\n

He ended by joking: "Maybe it\u2019s time to start selling photos of my bare arse on OnlyFans, again\u2026"<\/p>\n


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John, who danced with Johannes Radebe on Strictly in the show's first all-male partnership, also posted a photo with his colleagues to his Instagram stories writing: "It's the company I'll miss the most. Deep pride for every single member of the Steph's Packed Lunch team," with a broken heart emoji.<\/p>\n

His fans were equally devastated, as one person commented: "Hang on how have I missed this? Why is it not returning? It\u2019s literally the best daytime TV show there is! Gutted."<\/p>\n

Someone else added: "Channel 4 has made a big mistake, will really miss the show," while another fan agreed: "Gutted to hear this, the only day time show worth watching!"<\/p>\n

One person commented: "Can't believe it! Better than This Morning and Loose Women by a long shot. What a shame!"<\/p>\n

Another person asked: "Why cancel a programme that gives such joy ??"<\/p>\n

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A statement from Channel 4 announcing the news said: "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.<\/span><\/p>\n

"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."<\/p>\n

Steph's Packed Lunch began in 2020, when Steph would broadcast herself from her own home during lockdown, before moving to a studio for weekday lunchtimes with Denise Van Outen as a regular contributor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n