Vanessa Feltz Unveils New Channel 5 Programme
Broadcasting veteran Vanessa Feltz is set to grace television screens once more with a brand-new daytime show on Channel 5. Her return marks nearly three decades since her previous daytime talk show concluded, a period spanning significant shifts in the media landscape.
Vanessa Returns to Daytime TV on Channel 5
Feltz’s new venture, simply titled Vanessa, launches on Monday, March 24th, taking a prominent position in Channel 5’s weekday schedule. The 70-minute programme will air at 12.45pm, following established shows hosted by Jeremy Vine and Storm Huntley.
A New Direction: Focus on Lifestyle and Escape from News
In contrast to the often intense news cycle, Vanessa describes her new show as a welcome “escape from the relentless and frightening daily news agenda.” This signals a shift in tone, promising viewers a different kind of daytime viewing experience.
Vanessa Feltz will host a new daytime talk show on Channel 5 (Image: Publicity Picture)
Facing the Competition: Vanessa vs Loose Women
Vanessa will directly compete with ITV’s long-running programme Loose Women. While acknowledging the potential clash, Feltz expresses admiration and friendship for the Loose Women panel. She sees her show as offering viewers an alternative, stating, “I’m hoping that some people might like to vary their viewing schedule just occasionally, and shake it up a little bit, and make it over to Channel 5.”
She playfully invites viewers to experience her new set, describing it as a “beautiful little bit of pale pink and pale green, beautiful rug and beautiful cushions.”
Feltz embraces the competition with good humour, using an analogy: “You know, you can have steak every day and an occasional hamburger or the other way round. What’s wrong with that?”
Departure from This Morning and Embracing New Challenges
This new role necessitated Feltz stepping down from her contributor position on ITV’s This Morning after 33 years. She recounts a warm send-off from colleagues at This Morning, including Alison Hammond, Holly Willoughby, and show executives.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle’s emotional message to Vanessa Feltz following star’s support
Focus on Real-Life Topics and Viewer Engagement
Known for her forthright opinions and insightful analysis, Vanessa emphasizes that her Channel 5 programme will diverge from traditional news-driven formats. It will not adhere to the daily news cycle, instead focusing on “all the things that people really want to talk about in real life.”
She aims to create a “refuge from the news agenda,” offering a platform for discussions on relatable subjects such as “relationships and families, parenting, dating, sex, kids, in-laws, fashion, gossip – all the fun stuff.”
Loose Women will be in direct competition with Vanessa Feltz new show (Image: ITV)
Drawing from Personal Experience and Connecting with Viewers
Vanessa is known for openly sharing aspects of her own life. Her autobiography, Vanessa Bares All, explored personal experiences, including her past marriage. This willingness to connect on a personal level resonates with her audience.
Her career spans decades, including her initial rise to prominence with The Vanessa Show on ITV in the 1990s, followed by a long tenure at the BBC across radio and television. More recently, she hosted a show on TalkTV and joined LBC, where she continues to present weekend programmes.
Adapting to the Digital Age and Social Media Engagement
Vanessa has successfully transitioned into the digital age, demonstrated by her popular spoof YouTube show, With Love, Vanessa, a parody of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle content. This online venture has garnered significant views, showcasing her adaptability and continued relevance.
Addressing the content of her parody, Feltz clarifies, “It’s more about Meghan’s programme. It’s not an indictment of her personality… It’s just that genre [of show]… seems to lend itself to parody.”
Her active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where she has a substantial following, further illustrates her connection with audiences across different media.
Viewer-Led Content and Unscripted Discussions
Vanessa highlights the viewer-centric approach of her new programme. Emphasizing its unscripted nature, she states, “There isn’t really going to be a script. If callers ring in and say, ‘You’re talking about this, Vanessa, but I wish you were talking about something else altogether’, I’ll just move it.”
This flexibility aims to create a show that is “real, honest or unpredictable,” driven by viewer interests and conversations.
Dream Guests and Focus on Authentic Conversation
Dame Joan Collins and Victoria Starmer are among her desired guests. Feltz also plans to feature friends, aiming to showcase different facets of well-known personalities beyond their usual public roles. The goal is to create a relaxed and engaging space for “a good chat,” offering viewers a “refreshingly different” television experience during lunchtime.
Vanessa promises to be a unique addition to daytime television, focusing on lighthearted, relatable topics and genuine interactions, providing a break from the constant news cycle.