Oti Mabuse, a Strictly Come Dancing legend, has paid homage to Steph’s Packed Lunch following the cancellation of the Channel 4 show.
Steph McGovern’s weekday TV show was cancelled on Thursday, with a spokesperson for the broadcaster telling Metro.co.uk that 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’.
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 fun, but the programme has also been an exceptional springboard for nurturing local talent behind the scenes,’ they stated.
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, John Whaite voiced his shock at the news, praising the wonderful production crew before announcing his retirement from television.
Oti has now published an emotive message about the show.
The former Strictly pro, who now hosts her own Saturday Breakfast Show on ITV, wrote: ‘My little 2 cents about @packedlunchc4 and @stephlunch herself as a huge light in my life.
‘This show shot all the way in Leeds came into my life 4 years ago and completely changed it, the culture amongst the presenters, crew, production and audience is like no other.
‘I can say first hand Steph herself is an impeccable leader, a female empowerer, a brilliant presenter and the kindest hearted woman you’ll ever meet in show business.
‘Level headed, educated, unthreatened and absolutely hilarious.’
The 33-year-old went on: ‘The show gave people chances first time presenters, makeup artists, chefs, comedians, politicians it told stories most people wouldn’t even touch and we heard some beautiful northern accents from all over the north that made it a completely different show.
‘It was never about ratings it was always about laughter, family building, nurturing new talent and creating a day time show that was conversational and natural, funny and covers topics that even I as a black girl could nod and say “yes, I’m going through that now”.
‘Financial tips were made absorbable, politics was not this huge triggering topic, cooking was hilarious and everyone’s opinions including the audiences was accepted and mattered.’
Alongside pictures of her time as a guest on Steph’s Packed Lunch, Oti added: ‘I’ve gone on to have my own daytime show since and that’s because this show and its team nurtured and instilled something in me that can never be broken or dulled.
‘To this day Steph mentors me through my own show, the producer John is now my director on my show and the spirit of packed lunch lives on in me.
‘@stephlunch, @viveksharma98 @matt22scott , John you should be proud of what you created and look back with pride and joy 🥹 on a brilliant show you created. I’m 💯 certain whatever you’ll love onto will be just as spectacular.’
She concluded: ‘I for one will be eternally grateful 💕
‘I also always feel for the crew camera, floor managers, security and more because they really made the show (as always… the unsung heroes of showbiz)
‘You will be missed 💔.’
Amongst those sharing their love in the comments, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore wrote: ‘So well put Oti!’
Married At First Sight’s Mel Schilling added: ‘Well said darling.’
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.