Vanessa Feltz dramatically quits TV role - ‘It’s time for me to step back’
Vanessa Feltz is leaving her role at TalkTV after two years, with her move away from the brand taking place as it becomes a “completely digital” channel for viewers.
She is the second big-name presenter to leave the brand, following Piers Morgan's departure in February.
TalkTV launched in April 2022, and presenter and DJ Vanessa joined soon after, presenting the drivetime show.
News UK, who operates TalkTV, announced on Wednesday 24 April that there are changes ahead for the brand, with the channel expected to be renamed Talk as it becomes purely digital. From next week, there will be a new line-up of shows and presenters, with Vanessa’s show no longer in the schedule.
Vanessa said about her departure from TalkTV: “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.”
In response, 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.”
Vanessa Feltz has hosted numerous TV shows in the past including The Big Breakfast and ITV chat show Vanessa, and she will continue to appear on This Morning as a regular guest. She quit her BBC Radio 2 and Radio London breakfast show in 2022.
From next week, Vanessa’s TalkTV drivetime slot will be filled by presenter Jeremy Kyle Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, while Peter Cardwell will host the show on Fridays.
The new spring schedule also features Mike Graham, who will take over as host of the breakfast show from 6.30am to 10am, Julia Hartley-Brewer, who will host from 10am to 1pm Monday to Thursday and Alex Phillips presenting at that time on Fridays.
Announcing the changes, Dennie Morris, Director of Audio, News and Broadcasting, said: “The home of common sense is back and is going completely digital. Our flagship weekday line-up 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.”
