After Steph’s Packed Lunch was axed by Channel 4 last week, John Whaite has been trying everything he can to console himself.
The former Bake Off champion, who appeared often on Steph McGovern’s daily show, was among many left upset by the show’s demise, which has been on the air since 2020.
Last Thursday, Channel 4 made the shocking statement, adding 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.”
While Steph did not immediately respond, John was quick to respond last week, writing on Instagram that the Steph’s Packed Lunch staff had been ‘blindsided’ by the news of the axe, with ‘the rug yanked out from beneath them, which is really, really bad.’
He also said that he is leaving television for good.
After fans expressed worry over the former Strictly Come Dancing judge’s abrupt remark, he has now provided an update on finding comfort in returning to his career origins as a chef.
John promoted his Recipes & Ramblings email by sharing a photo of a delectable apple crumble Danish, saying that the exquisite dessert offered him consolation.
He wrote: ‘The comfort they bring has never been more necessary.’
A few days ago, John posted a behind-the-scenes video of him creating croissants and pastries while ‘on work experience’ in a bakery.
‘Yesterday I lost a job, therefore today I went on work experience,’ John commented accompanied the video, which included some lovely pups amid the exquisite bakes.
‘The lovely couple Heather and Stuart of @lagombakery_ invited me to do a day with them in their bakery. They taught me all about the life of a baker, how to prep and bake the sourdough, how to laminate, how to have a good laugh in the kitchen.
‘They (and lovely Abi) were a much-needed tonic, and sporadic cuddles from @albus_wcs were much appreciated. Huge thank you @lagombakery_ for being so bloody lovely and welcoming. Can’t wait to come back.
‘And tomorrow my pumpkin spice loaf with a rye crumble top will be available in store.’
Despite leaving television, John stated he would return to Steph’s Packed Lunch before it ended.
One viewer asked in the comments: ‘Will you be back before it ends for one final appearance?’
John replied: ‘Of course. I’ll complete my contract. I want a few final days with the amazing team.’
The TV star, 34, had previously said he had already planned to leave TV this year, saying: ‘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.’
John had already been avoiding social media, as he explained in a message to followers who showed worry.
He had said: ‘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 concluded his message by assuring his followers that there is ‘nothing to worry about,’ saying: ‘So thank you for the messages. Nothing to worry about at all. I’ll still be making Packed Lunch for the foreseeable.’
This comes after John paid respect to the Steph’s Packed Lunch crew in a long post following the tragic news.
At the time, Channel 4 credited Steph, 41, for making lunchtimes across the nation ‘more entertaining’, adding: ‘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.’
John later 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.
‘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…’
Meanwhile, despite professing to be satisfied at Channel 4, Steph has yet to comment on the termination.
Steph was tipped to be Holly Willoughby‘s replacement on This Morning after she stepped down, with Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson stepping in.
Steph spoke about her new role as host of This Morning at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards on October 11 at London’s Roundhouse.
She told Mail Online: ‘I’m very happy at Channel 4, but never say never.’
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.
The show 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.