Simon Rimmer, the 63-year-old co-host of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, was absent from the latest episode on July 19, 2026, with radio presenter Yinka Bokinni stepping in as a replacement. Bokinni, who presents on Capital Xtra and BBC Radio 1, announced at the start of the show that Rimmer was on holiday, saying: "Simon is on his holibobs, so you've got me today!"
Viewer Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Viewers quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts on the change. One user wrote: "No Simon today. Hello Yinka, hello Tim." Others congratulated Bokinni on her second pregnancy, which she had announced days earlier. During the show, co-host Tim Lovejoy surprised Bokinni with a Sunday Brunch baby grow, prompting her to exclaim: "Oh, this is so cute!" as the studio audience applauded. She joked: "I don't think this is going to fit me, Tim. You should have got a different size, I'm a growing lady!"
Bokinni's Announcement and Fans' Delight
Earlier in the week, Bokinni took to Instagram to reveal she would be filling in for Rimmer, writing: "I'm baaaack baby! When @rimmersimon goes away... YINKA comes to play. I'll be co-hosting this week's episode alongside @timlovejoy_official this Sunday - catch me at 10am." Fans expressed their excitement in the comments, with one saying: "Love this!" Another added: "You're a great fit for temporary co-host!" A third commented: "Great news. Underrated, should be on more TV, naturally funny. Loved your documentaries."
Show Format and Guest Line-Up
Sunday Brunch, which has been co-hosted by Rimmer and Lovejoy since 2012, is a live three-hour programme featuring cooking segments, celebrity interviews, and drink tastings. In Rimmer's absence, the July 19 episode included chef Tom Kerridge, as well as guests Joe Pasquale, Kerry Ellis, Calam Lynch, Fiona Allen, and Baby Queen. According to Channel 4, Rimmer is expected to return next week, when the show will feature Gyles Brandreth, Ricky Wilson, Nicola Benedetti, and Stephen Mangan.
Sunday Brunch is available to stream on Channel 4.
