BREAKING: BBC Breakfast makes HEARTBREAKING ANNOUNCEMENT about Sunday Brunch’s Tim Lovejoy

Simon Rimmer was joined by Steph McGovern on Sunday Brunch (Image: Channel 4)

Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch made a comeback this week, though with a temporary replacement stepping in for Tim Lovejoy. Former BBC Breakfast star Steph McGovern joined Simon Rimmer on the morning show. As the presenting duo introduced their panel of guests – including Al Murray, Robert Sean Leonard, Sandra Yi Sencindiver and Rudimental – the ex-Steph’s Packed Lunch host confessed she felt “a bit nervous” about filling Tim’s position.

“Good morning and welcome to Sunday Brunch live on Channel 4, I am Simon Rimmer,” Simon opened. “And I am not Tim Lovejoy, but I am Steph McGovern,” his temporary co-presenter announced, reports the Mirror.

Steph McGovern stepped in to host, admitting she was “a bit nervous” (Image: Channel 4)

“Tim’s having a bit of a lie-in,” Simon disclosed, adding: “How lovely to have you on the show.”

Steph responded: “It feels weird, doesn’t it? For you, is this like bring your friend to work day? It feels a bit like that! Normally we’re drinking!”

Simon commented: “I feel a bit responsible because we’re proper mates outside of telly, and I used to do your show, Steph’s Packed Lunch. But it’s very nice to have you today.”

When questioned about her nerves, she admitted: “I am a little bit nervous! Because I know what you’re like, but it’s lovely to be here.”

Audiences were thrilled to see Steph taking the helm, with one fan posting: “Yay Steph is presenting today you’ll smash it girl.”

Steph’s Packed Lunch was axed in 2023 (Image: Channel 4)

Steph fronted BBC Breakfast from 2011 before switching to Channel 4 for her own show in 2019.

Nevertheless, Steph’s Packed Lunch was cancelled in December 2023 when Channel 4 confirmed its axing.

She expressed at the time: “I’m not going to waffle on because I can’t say anything emotional without doing that ugly crying.

“But thank you for watching, thank you for everyone who’s been on the show.

“I’ve loved it, and I am glad you have to. That is all from us here in Leeds. Look after yourselves, and goodbye!”

Sunday Brunch is usually hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer (Image: Channel 4)

She further added on social media: “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 [sic]) 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.

“I am so proud of what our amazing team achieved so please allow me a moment to blow their trumpet…..

Steph previously presented BBC Breakfast (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“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.

“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.”