‘Desperate’ Sunday Brunch guests slammed as Channel 4 viewers note missing Simon Rimmer: ‘Had its time’
Sunday Brunch viewers were left unimpressed as Simon Rimmer, 61, was absent for the Channel 4 show’s first broadcast of 2025.
Co-host Tim Lovejoy, 56, presented this weekend’s programme solo, with chef James Golding stepping in to handle cooking duties.
The shake-up saw Golding prepare Rimmer’s planned squash salad alongside his own dish during the morning broadcast.
Lovejoy addressed Rimmer’s absence minutes into the broadcast, explaining to viewers: “Sadly, Simon Rimmer is a bit ill today. He’s got a bit of a dodgy tummy.”
The 56-year-old presenter then made a drinking gesture and joked: “So he says, I mean, he saw him out last night, you know, last night.”
Later in the programme, Lovejoy clarified that Rimmer’s illness was not due to a night out.
Rimmer absence was particularity notable as the TV chef had promoted the upcoming episode on Saturday.
The post, alongside a picture of Rimmer and Lovejot in the studio, announced: “We’re back tomorrow with our first show of 2025 at our NEW START TIME OF 10am. See you there.”
Lovejoy and chef replacement Golding were joined by a host of guests including SAS Rogue Heroes star Gwilym Lee, comedian Lou Sanders, actress Ella Maisy Purvis and Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand.
While the show is no stranger to debate, viewers were particularity unimpressed with the panel of guests and the lack of Rimmer and took to social media to express their dissatisfaction.
“Hadn’t realised how much Simon Rimmmer adds to #sundaybrunch it was really flat this week without him. Gwilym Lee + Franz Ferdinand bits ok but basically felt like it blundered along …. badly,” one fan observed.
Another commented: “Lovejoy has gone to pieces today without Rimmer.”
“All-time low for guests today on #sundaybrunch don’t even know the chef,” a third slammed.
A fourth angrily asked: “Who are these desperate people?”
Some fans even called for the show to end, bemoaning declining quality.
“Not got a clue who any of these are on #SundayBrunch think its had its time tbh,” a disappointed viewer concluded.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Lily Allen plans to be ‘less of a narcissist’ following split from Stranger Things starGiovanni Pernice teases career change amid savage verdict on BBC Strictly row: ‘2024 can f**k off’Paddy McGuinness issues statement after replacing Gregg Wallace on BBC show: ‘Been a joy’
However, others empathised with Lovejoy’s attempts to front the show himself.
One viewer commented: “Watching @TimLovejoy hosting on his own was so all over the place but it was entertaining Great effort!”
“It can’t be easy tbf, Usually having your wingman, I think Simon is on Tv a bit more so copes better! It was Different, Tim’s Podcast is Really good So won’t give him too hard a time,” another agreed.
The news follows a difficult end to 2024 for Rimmer, whose Manchester restaurant chain collapsed owing more than £500,000 to creditors.
The bulk of the debt includes £458,873 in unpaid VAT and PAYE to HMRC, with additional money owed to trade creditors and gift card holders.