Vanessa Feltz dramatically quits huge TV show amid major shake-up

Image: TalkTV)

Vanessa Feltz is leaving TalkTV after two years at the channel, with the news coming amid a schedule shake-up as the brand moves to now become "completely digital".

The presenter, 62, has hosted its drivetime show since 2022, with her having joined the TV channel shortly after it had launched in April that same year. She's now understood to be leaving amid its apparent transition away from linear TV.

It was announced on Wednesday by operator News UK that there will be changes to the schedule for the brand - seemingly set to be known simply as Talk - from next week onwards as it focuses on digital platforms. Vanessa no longer features in the "refreshed" weekday line-up from Monday.

Vanessa said about her departure: "I've had the most fabulous two years at TalkTV. It's been a joy and a revelation to work on a fledgling station. Among many experiences, it was my honour to break the news of the passing of Her Majesty, the Queen to viewers and broadcast live throughout that momentous time. As TalkTV steps back from linear TV, it's time for me to also step back and focus on my other commitments and new projects ahead."

Whilst Scott Taunton, EVP President of Broadcast for News UK, said: "Vanessa is a unique broadcaster and has made a unique contribution to TalkTV over the last two years. She steps back with our thanks and best wishes."

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The company revealed that in its spring schedule, which begins next week, Jeremy Kyle, 58, and Peter Cardwell will now host the drivetime show instead. The former is set to cover Vanessa's current slot between Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, whilst Peter covers on Fridays.

Mike Graham, 63, will now take over as host of the breakfast show from 6.30am to 10am. Julia Hartley-Brewer, 55, will host a show from 10am to 1pm between Monday and Thursday, with Alex Phillips, 40 in that slot on Fridays.

The new schedule also includes Ian Collins, 57, who currently has an hour-long show in the afternoon, hosting from 1pm to 4pm on weekdays. And following the drivetime show, Kevin O'Sullivan will be on from 7pm to 10pm.

As part of the announcement earlier, Dennie Morris, Director of Audio, News Broadcasting, said: "The home of common sense is back and is going completely digital. Talk will continue to bring viewers and listeners the biggest, boldest opinions and analysis in broadcasting." Dennie added: "Our flagship weekday lineup with Mike Graham, Julia Hartley-Brewer, Ian Collins, Jeremy Kyle and Kevin O'Sullivan will maintain Talk's growing reach across the brand: on YouTube, on connected TVs, on radio, online and on the Talk app."

News UK has said that Talk will be available via DAB+, smart speaker, live on YouTube and through a connected TV. Other notable absences from the upcoming schedule released this week include Sharon Osbourne, who had been a panelist on the Talk. Nicola Thorp and colleague JJ Anisiobi are among the presenters not mentioned either.

It was previously reported that TalkTV would stop broadcasting as a terrestrial TV channel this year, with it instead set to focus on digital audiences through streaming. Piers Morgan, 59, announced in February that his live show on TalkTV would be ending, with him instead focusing on Uncensored's YouTube channel.

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