Gemma Atkinson says 'in my opinion' as she reacts to 'sad' axe of Channel 4 show after expecting to return

Gemma Atkinson has said it's 'sad to hear' as she responded to the axe of Steph's Packed Lunch. The Hits Radio host was a regular face on the Channel 4 show and spent her last day at work before welcoming her second child into the world with host Steph McGovern and the team.

At the time, Gemma shared her hopes to return in the New Year following her maternity leave after son Thiago Thomas Marquez, who she shares with her Strictly Come Dancing star fiance Gorka Marquez, arrived in July. However, it was announced on Thursday (October 19) that the show will come to an end this year.

The lunchtime show launched in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown and was initially broadcast from Steph's living room in Harrogate. Channel 4 also brought the debut air date forward, saying it hoped it would bring some positivity into the lives of viewers. It later moved to its current studio setting in Leeds.

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Announcing the decision to axe the programme, Channel 4 said it is “incredibly proud” of all the show has achieved and credited it for "kick-starting" the channel’s growth in the north of England. The broadcaster said the budget for the show will now be reallocated to other programmes in the nations and regions.

Responding to the news on Thursday morning (October 20), Gemma, 38, shared a photo of Steph in the Leeds-based studio and wrote: "Sad to hear that @packedlunchc4 is ending this year. Genuinely THE NICEST crew and team to work with an in my opinion a bloody great show!

"It had everything a daytime show should have. So proud of