Channel 4's flagship weekend show, Sunday Brunch, has found itself at the centre of a fresh social media storm, with viewers expressing sharp divisions over its latest line-up of celebrity guests.
The programme, presented by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, returned for its usual three-hour slot on January 11, 2026, featuring a mix of interviews, cooking segments, and entertainment.
Mixed Reactions to Celebrity Roster
The episode welcomed a diverse group of guests, including comedians Bridget Christie and Russel Howard, actors Malachi Kirby and Mark Benton, musician Bellah, and chef Jeremy Pang.
However, the selection prompted immediate criticism from a section of the audience. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, several viewers claimed they didn't recognise the stars. One disgruntled fan labelled them "z list 'celebrities'" and suggested it was "time to knock this show on its head." Another simply posted, "Don't know any of them," while a third lamented that the show was "getting past its use by date."
In contrast, other loyal viewers defended the programme. One fan praised the line-up as "a way better and funnier line up than last week," while another described the show as a "must watch tradition in our house."
Awkward Interview Adds to Viewer Discomfort
The controversy follows closely on the heels of another uncomfortable moment for the presenters just one week prior. Viewers had branded an interview with actor Hammed Animashaun as "a tough watch."
During the segment, Lovejoy and Rimmer quizzed Animashaun, known for roles in Black Ops and The Wheel of Time, about his career prospects in the United States. The exchange was perceived as strained, with the guest indicating a preference to work in the UK.
The awkward dynamic did not go unnoticed. On social media, one observer commented, "Tim and Simon don't really know what questions to ask this guy. Cringe." Another questioned whether it was the guest not offering enough material or the hosts lacking prepared questions, concluding the segment was difficult to watch.
An Ongoing Challenge for Weekend TV
This incident highlights the perennial challenge for long-running entertainment shows: balancing familiar format comforts with fresh, engaging content that appeals to a broad audience. The polarised reaction to the guest list underscores the difficulty in catering to all viewer tastes.
Despite the criticism, Sunday Brunch maintains a dedicated following and continues its weekly broadcast every Sunday at 10am on Channel 4. The show's ability to navigate these viewer critiques will be crucial for its continued popularity in a competitive television landscape.
