CHANNEL 4 RESPOND TO WORRIES OVER STEPH'S PACKED LUNCH'S RATINGS

At one point during the show this week, Channel 4's new daytime magazine show reportedly registered zero viewers.

The relaunched show began with 93,000 viewers (overnight) on Monday 14th September with less than 70,000 tuning in the day after - significantly less than the 182,000 its previous incarnation 'The Steph Show' achieved in April.

A Channel 4 Spokesperson said: "On Tuesday Steph’s Packed Lunch attracted an average audience of 87,000 viewers from 12.30pm – 2.10pm and drew 204,000 at its peak. Daytime shows always take time to build their audience..."

They continued: "Steph has brought a blast of energy to our daytime line-up and we’re delighted with the live shows the team has produced."

A source told the Mirror : "It was a tough call to go up against such an established and well-loved show as Loose Women and there’s no doubt the decision is hurting C4 and these ratings show it. ITV were always confident the Loose Women would see off their competition – and in fact their numbers keep going up."

Steph's Packed Lunch continues weekdays at 12:30pm on Channel 4.