Steph McGovern 'set to return to BBC' after Channel 4 show axe

Steph McGovern is poised to grace our telly screens once more, following the cancellation of her daytime programme, Steph's Packed Lunch, last year.

The Channel 4 show, which debuted amidst the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, was reportedly dropped three years later due to dwindling viewer numbers.

Now, the former BBC Breakfast presenter is reportedly set to take the helm of Crimewatch as its new lead host.

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According to TV Zone, Steph will be teaming up with Rav Wilding when the popular programme makes its comeback to BBC daytime next month.

Crimewatch Live returns on Monday, October 6 for a fresh three-week series aimed at aiding crimefighters in cracking some of the UK's most significant unsolved cases, reports the Express.

Each new episode will feature a reconstruction appeal film, 'Wanted Faces', and spotlight the dedicated teams bringing criminals to justice, covering everything from high-profile murder cases and robberies to assaults.

The series will focus on recent nationwide crimes and also provide updates on cases that have been highlighted throughout the current series and previous ones.

Once again, Crimewatch Live will rely on viewers to assist the Police in solving numerous cases. Over the past year, our appeals have led to substantial breakthroughs in multiple cases for the Police, resulting in arrests and charges.

Throughout its four-decade run, Crimewatch, along with its spin-offs Crimewatch Roadshow and Crimewatch Live, have broadcast over 700 episodes. These programmes have featured upwards of 7000 police appeals from every constabulary in the UK, leading to the capture of numerous criminals thanks to public assistance.

A key element of Crimewatch has been its televised appeals and dramatic reconstructions, shedding light on some of Britain's most infamous crimes. Notable cases include the murder of Julie Dart in 1991, Stephanie Slater's abduction in 1992, the tragic killing of James Bulger in 1993, the Russell family murders in 1996, Sarah Payne's murder in 2000, the pursuit of the M25 sex attacker in 2002, and the heartbreaking murder of seven year old Toni-Ann Byfield in 2005.

It seems that Steph isn't just focusing on one television project; she previously announced her return to our screens with two fresh BBC shows.

On Instagram, the presenter hinted at an exciting comeback to TV hosting, revealing not just one, but two upcoming BBC projects. She also mentioned a third programme in the pipeline, though she kept the channel under wraps.

Her post read: "Big work news. I can't tell you the specifics yet. But it involves hosting 3 shows all out in the next 12 months.."

She elaborated: "1) A brand new series on BBC One daytime (Not a magazine/chat show). 2) A brand series on BBC Two evenings (Still not a magazine/chat show). 3) A longstanding TV programme that's been going nearly as long as I have been alive. I AM ABSOLUTELY BUZZING! ! !".

In her caption, she expressed gratitude: "Thank you to everyone who has been sending me such lovely messages about my new TV stuff coming up (even though I haven't told you what they are yet). Sorry for those hoping it would be [Steph's Packed Lunch] coming back......it's deffo not that."

The BBC has been approached for a statement.

Crimewatch Live is set to make its comeback on Monday, October 6 on BBC One