Vanessa Feltz’s chat show has been temporarily shelved by Channel 5 just seven months after launching.
The TV presenter, 63, began hosting her self-titled show in March 2025 but is set to take an ‘extended break’ ahead of the Christmas schedule, according to The Sun.
The programme attracts an average 50,000 viewers per 70 minute show – significantly lower than competitor Jeremy Vine.
Show bosses were said to have been in ‘crunch talks’ about the future of Vanessa just two months after it started airing.
It is believed that production staff have been told their extended contacts will end as of this month.
A source told the publication: ‘It’s been a real blow to everyone who has been working so hard to make the show a success.’
Vanessa Feltz ‘s chat show has been temporarily shelved by Channel 5 just seven months after launching
The TV presenter, 63, began hosting her self-titled show in March 2025 but is set to take an ‘extended break’ ahead of the Christmas schedule
The show is reportedly being taken off the air next month, but a Channel 5 spokesman told the publication there are plans for its return in 2026.
He added: ‘With our festive lineup of Christmas Movies filling the daytime schedule, The Vanessa show will be taking a planned pause.
‘Vanessa remains an important and much-loved part of the 5 daytime line-up and we’re thrilled to be bringing her back in 2026.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Channel 5 and Vanessa’s representatives for a comment.
Described as ‘a much-needed haven from the relentless news agenda,’ Vanessa’s show provided heart-warming, hard-hitting, and straight-talking television’.
Known for her sharp insight and honesty, she tackled everything from relationships and parenting to gossip and fashion.
The show featured celebrities as never seen before, real-life confessions, commiserations and celebrations – with viewers setting the agenda.
Speaking about the series when it first launched, Vanessa said: ‘I cannot wait to get started on this sparkling adventure with Channel 5.
It is believed that the show staff have been told their extended contacts have ended as of this month
‘This show is all about you – your stories, your opinions, your emotions, and your triumphs.
‘Television’s never been so real, honest, or unpredictable. Life isn’t perfect, so let’s not pretend it is – let’s help each other out, have a giggle, and make every show a conversation worth having.
‘So kick off your shoes, come and join me for lunch, relax with a bit of me time, and let’s have a ball!’
The mother-of-two has been a prominent figure in British broadcasting for over three decades.
She first gained national recognition in the 1990s with The Vanessa Show on ITV, which ran from 1994 to 1998, before moving to the BBC, where she presented a range of radio and television programmes, including The Vanessa Show on BBC One and the early morning Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
In 2022, she left the BBC after nearly 20 years, citing a desire to embrace new challenges and opportunities. She then joined TalkTV, where she hosted her own show for two years.
In 2023, Vanessa left her role as a presenter on TalkTV as the news channel underwent a major shake-up.
Federico Ruiz, Commissioning Editor, Channel 5, added: ‘We are thrilled to have signed Vanessa, an award-winning broadcaster and bona fide national treasure, to our daytime line-up.
‘Our audience love her, and there is nobody better for viewers to spend their lunchtimes with every single weekday.’
Ahead of the show launch Ian Rumsey, Managing Director of Content, ITN, said: ‘Vanessa defined the genre with her first talk show and this new slot on Channel 5 is a brilliant and unique opportunity to work with one of the pioneers of talk shows, and take all that talent, energy and experience to create a fresh twist to daytime chat.’
Commissioned by Federico Ruiz at Channel 5 and produced by ITN Productions, Vanessa will air daily with Ian Jones serving as Editor.
