Strictly icon credits Steph’s Packed Lunch for ‘changing her life’ in emotional tribute

Oti Mabuse has paid tribute to Steph’s Packed Lunch in an emotional post (Picture: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing icon Oti Mabuse has paid tribute to Steph’s Packed Lunch after it was announced the Channel 4 programme was being axed.

It was revealed on Thursday that Steph McGovern’s weekday TV show had been cancelled, 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 credit Steph, 41, for making lunchtimes across the nation ‘more entertaining’.

‘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 speak out on the axe, after appearing to ignore the ‘elephant in the room’ on Friday’s programme, a recent interview saw her claim she was ‘very happy’ at the broadcaster.

Meanwhile, John Whaite expressed his devastation at the news, paying tribute to the incredible production team, before later revealing he was stepping back from TV altogether.

It was announced on Thursday that Steph’s Packed Lunch is being axed (Picture: Channel 4)

And now, Oti has shared an emotional post about the programme.

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.’

Oti paid tribute to Steph’s Packed Lunch in an emotional post (Picture: Channel 4 / Steph’s Packed Lunch)

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.’

‘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,’ she wrote (Picture: CHANNEL 4)

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 💔.’

Steph’s Packed Lunch will continue on Channel 4 until December 2023 (Picture: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

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, formerly known as The Steph Show, was first launched in March 2020, making its debut just a week after the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown began.

It will continue broadcasting on Channel 4 until December 2023, when the current contract expires.

Steph’s Packed Lunch airs weekdays from 12pm on Channel 4.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : John Whaite quits TV after being ‘blindsided’ by Steph’s Packed Lunch axe

MORE : John Whaite makes cheeky OnlyFans quip amid devastation over Steph’s Packed Lunch axe

‘You will be missed’