Following the cancellation of Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4, John Whaite has announced that he would no again appear on television.
Steph McGovern’s daily TV programme was terminated on Thursday, with a representative for the network claiming they were ‘very proud of all that Steph’s Packed Lunch has done since its inception from Steph’s living room during lockdown over four years ago’.
They went on to praise Steph, 41, for making lunchtimes’more fun’ throughout the country.
‘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,’ they said.
While Steph has yet to comment on the axe, she recently stated that she was’very pleased’ at the broadcaster, while appearing to disregard the ‘elephant in the room’ on Friday’s show.
Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing star John has voiced his shock at the news, praising the outstanding production crew.
He’s now confessed that he’ll be extending his television hiatus and focusing on other things.
Taking to Instagram, John said: ‘Honestly, I am completely fine. This is the truth, I was going to leave TV this year anyway.
‘That’s why I’ve been off Packed Lunch for a couple of weeks just to get my head in the gear and I just came to the conclusion that I think my career in television is now done.
‘I’ve had a great run and loved it.’
John went on: ‘I’ll do the odd bit here and there but I need to focus my attention now on business and on my creativity, so that’s where I am.
‘If you’re going to think about anybody and give best wishes to anybody, please think of the Packed Lunch team.’
He added that the team have been ‘blindsided’ by the news of Steph’s Packed Lunch axe, with ‘the rug pulled out from underneath them, which is really, really terrible.’
This comes as John paid respect to the squad in a long message following the tragic news yesterday.
The 34-year-old wrote: ‘Breaking my little insta-pause to post about this. I’m sure you’ve read the deeply sad news that Steph’s Packed Lunch will not be returning after December.
‘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.
‘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.’
Alongside a series of behind-the-scenes snaps from the show, he went on: ‘The food team – Courtney, Sarah and the talented home economists – have been a lifeline to me on so many occasions, and it’s been an honour to work with them (and the rest of the production and editorial teams) for the past 3 years.
View this post on Instagram
‘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.
‘It has been an honour and a privilege to be a small part of Steph’s Packed Lunch. In many tiny ways, it changed my life.’
Concluding his lengthy post, John quipped: ‘Maybe it’s time to start selling photos of my bare arse on OnlyFans, again…’
John addressed taking a hiatus from social media earlier this month, releasing a statement with followers who showed worry.
‘Morning everybody. Thank you for the messages about my break from Packed Lunch. There is nothing to worry about though. A few people have been quite concerned,’ the former Great British Bake Off winner began.
‘I love my job on Packed Lunch. I love the team, and I’m just having a bit of a breather just so that I can think about what’s next for me, think about what 2024 is going to look like.’
‘Whether it’s more Baking School – which it will be, there will be more Baking School – but how much Baking School. Whether I open a business, dot dot dot…,’ he continued.
‘And also I just want some breathing space before I go into panto in Bradford this winter, just to spend time with family and friends.’
The TV chef finished his speech by assuring his audience that there is “nothing to be concerned about.”
‘So thank you for the messages. Nothing to worry about at all. I’ll still be making Packed Lunch for the foreseeable,’ he said.
‘I’m just having maybe the rest of October off, but thank you. Have a great day!’
Steph’s Packed Lunch, originally known as The Steph Show, debuted in March 2020, barely one week after the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown began.
It will continue to air on Channel 4 until the current contract expires in December 2023.
Steph’s Packed Lunch airs weekdays from 12pm on Channel 4.
Source My Celebrity Life.