The much-anticipated return of Channel 4's flagship lifestyle show, Sunday Brunch, hit an unexpected snag during its first broadcast of 2026, leaving viewers squirming in their seats. Fans took to social media to label the programme a 'tough watch' following what many perceived as a painfully awkward interview conducted by hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer.
An Uncomfortable Exchange Kicks Off the New Series
Sunday Brunch made its comeback on the morning of Sunday, January 4, 2026, for its usual three-hour slot of celebrity chats and cookery segments. Among the guests was actor Hammed Animashaun, known for roles in Black Ops and The Wheel of Time, who was on the sofa to promote the second season of BBC One's Black Ops, launching on Thursday, January 8.
However, the conversation failed to flow. Animashaun's brief, unrevealing answers left the veteran hosts struggling to build momentum. When Simon Rimmer asked how far into filming the first series the cast knew about the season two commission, the actor simply replied, 'Um, it was quite a while until we found out the second series was picked up.'
Stilted Questions and Deflective Answers
The discomfort escalated when Tim Lovejoy shifted topics to Animashaun's role in the Prime Video series The Wheel of Time. Lovejoy's query about whether the actor now had a US agent was met with a hesitant, 'I don't know about that. I hope so. One day. Maybe.' Pushing further, Lovejoy asked if he planned to work in America, to which Animashaun firmly stated, 'No, I want to stay at home and work here.'
The palpable tension between the guest's reticence and the hosts' attempts to spark a lively discussion did not go unnoticed by the audience at home.
Viewers React with 'Cringe' on Social Media
Within moments, viewers flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their discomfort. One bluntly stated, 'Tim and Simon don't really know what questions to ask this guy. Cringe.' Another pondered the root cause, writing, 'Wasn't sure if it was the guest not giving enough for them to work with or if they were just lacking material to keep a good chat going.' A third viewer summarised the experience in three words: 'It's a tough watch!'
The reaction highlights the fine line live television walks, where even experienced presenters can find themselves in an unrecoverable conversational lull. Sunday Brunch continues every Sunday at 10am on Channel 4.
