Channel 5 bosses in crisis talks about future of Vanessa Feltz’s show – just two months after launch
CHANNEL 5 bosses have been locked in crisis talks over the future of Vanessa Feltz’s afternoon show.
The veteran broadcaster was handed her own self-titled programme on the network two months ago but it has so far failed to deliver the ratings that Channel 5 were hoping for, throwing the entire future in jeopardy.
The Sun understands that head honchos of the programme have held crunch talks about what to do with the show and if there is even a future for Vanessa on Channel 5.
It had been hoped that fans who tuned in for Jeremy Vine on the channel would stick around to see Vanessa and her celebrity guests but the ratings have tumbled.
An insider told The Sun: “The future of Vanessa’s show is very much uncertain for the time being.
“Bosses have been locked in crisis talks and have been planning ways to immediately revamp the programme if there is to be a chance that it could be saved.
“Only 62,000 viewers tuned into Monday’s episode and there is feeling that it has been a total disaster behind-the-scenes.
“Jeremy regularly gets 200,000 watching his show but they all seem to reach for the remote and switch off when Vanessa comes on.”
The insider revealed that staff working on the programme have been further thrown by ITV‘s recent announcement of cuts across the daytime sector.
Knowing that Vanessa brings in far less viewers than Lorraine and Loose Women, who are under threat, they fear it is only a matter of time until the plug is pulled for good.
They added: “Everyone is worried and they all feel bitterly disappointed that Vanessa’s show hasn’t taken off as planned.”
Despite this, another insider admitted to The Sun that Vanessa’s timeslot has always typically received less viewers than Jeremy’s on-air slot and at present, was still performing in-line with what is expected of early afternoons on Channel 5.
When contacted by The Sun, a Channel 5 spokesperson said: “There are no current plans for any changes. As with all live shows, we continue to evolve with our audience.”
Vanessa’s programme launched to much fanfare earlier this year as she made her return to daytime TV hosting.
She first hosted Vanessa for ITV between 1994 and 1998 before it came to a halt amid a pay row which allegedly saw Vanessa demand a £2.75million salary.
A year later, she hosted a similar show, titled The Vanessa Show, for BBC One, but that was axed after one series.
In 2011, The Vanessa Show was revived for the first time by Channel 5 but was eventually pushed to a late afternoon slot amid poor ratings before being cancelled altogether.
14 years on and it seems that Channel 5 are suffering the same fate after choosing to reboot her original ITV show – Vanessa.
Vanessa Feltz on 5
Vanessa Feltz is set to host her own brand new daytime show on 5, but what can viewers expect?
The commercial network have promised the show will be open, honest, and full of fun discussions.
Topics that will be covered include relationships, parenting, gossip or fashion.
Speaking about her self-titled programme, she said: “I cannot wait to get started on this sparkling adventure with Channel 5.
“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 and come and join me for lunch, relax with a bit of me time and let’s have a ball!”