Vanessa Feltz's Channel 5 daytime chat programme is being "rested" just a year after its launch. The star, known for her regular appearances on ITV's This Morning, had been hosting the self-titled television programme, Vanessa, since March 2025.
The chat show featured Vanessa speaking with guests and viewers at home who called in to discuss their experiences on various subjects. The broadcaster described the show as including "fiery discussions, a good giggle and plenty of afternoon gossip." However, the program faced issues with hoax callers, some of whom posed as EastEnders characters and summarized plotlines from the BBC soap.
Channel 5 Confirms Show Will Be Taken Off Air
A Channel 5 spokesperson confirmed to the Mirror that the programme would be taken off air, stating: "Due to afternoon scheduling changes, Vanessa will be rested from July 17th." The spokesperson added: "We thank Vanessa and her team at ITN for 18 months of warm, witty, wise and searingly honest shows. Vanessa remains a valued member of the 5 family and we are discussing future projects together."
The decision is believed to be connected to poor viewing figures for the show, as well as the problem of hoax callers.
History of the Show
Vanessa's television chat show originally aired from 1994 to 1998 on ITV, before being succeeded by Trisha. Following her work on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast, BBC Radio 2, This Morning, and other projects, she revived the show on Channel 5, where it was broadcast for an hour on weekdays.
Since its return, the programme underwent three redesigns, affecting both its studio and branding. This was believed to be an effort to attract more viewers, though audience numbers reportedly remained low.
Viewership Comparisons
The show is reported to draw an average of 50,000 viewers per episode. In contrast, Loose Women, which also occupies a lunchtime slot on ITV, attracts between 800,000 and 1.2 million viewers per installment.
Vanessa Feltz is also known for her appearances on reality programmes, having taken part in series such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebs Go Dating, and Celebrity Big Brother.
