Yinka Bokinni stood in for Tim Lovejoy on the latest edition of Sunday Brunch, joining Simon Rimmer for the Channel 4 programme on August 30. Viewers tuning in that morning saw Bokinni take the regular presenter's seat alongside Rimmer, with no explanation given during the opening moments for Lovejoy's absence.
As the programme opened, Rimmer introduced himself, saying: “I’m Simon Rimmer.” Bokinni followed, adding: “And I’m Yinka Bokinni, standing in for Tim Lovejoy.” The pair quickly moved into the morning's schedule, with Bokinni highlighting some of the big names due to appear in the studio.
Star-Studded Guest Line-Up
Music fans were promised a treat with legendary singer Paul Heaton lined up to perform. Actress Su Pollard was set to join the presenters to chat about her memoir, while GK Barry was due to discuss her latest book. The guest list also included Everlast, Gary Wilmot, Anita-Joy Uwajeh, and Casualty actress Elinor Lawless, who was due to talk about the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Despite the change in presenting line-up, the rest of the programme continued in familiar Sunday Brunch fashion, mixing celebrity interviews with music, food, and conversation.
Familiar Faces and a Technical Hitch
Rimmer and Lovejoy have been familiar faces on the programme for years, having first worked together on BBC Two’s Something for the Weekend before becoming the faces of Sunday Brunch when it launched on Channel 4 in 2012. Their partnership has become one of the most recognisable presenting duos on British weekend television.
Bokinni is no stranger to broadcasting, having worked across radio and television. She has built a name for herself as a presenter and broadcaster and has previously appeared on Sunday Brunch, making her a familiar face to the Channel 4 audience. Her lively presenting style provided a different dynamic alongside Rimmer as the pair took viewers through Sunday's packed line-up.
Elsewhere, the show suffered an awkward moment after a technical issue involving a phone. Ahead of an interview with Anita Joy, Bokinni appeared to notice something happening behind the scenes. “Before we get into speaking to you, what was happening? Because I could hear texts. What is going on?” she asked. Anita explained there had been “a bit of a technical situation”, revealing that Sue was trying to work out an issue with what she jokingly described as a “portable machine”.
As the sounds continued, Bokinni turned to the production team and asked, “Have we just checked in? Have we managed to silence the device?” She then acknowledged the unpredictable nature of broadcasting live, adding: “It’s the beauty of being live.” Sunday Brunch airs every Sunday from 10am on Channel 4.
