Steph McGovern is officially heading back to the BBC, five years after leaving the corporation to join Channel 4, in a move that has surprised many in the TV world.
The 43-year-old presenter originally stepped away from the BBC in 2019 to go on maternity leave, before later joining Channel 4 where she fronted her own daytime show, Steph’s Packed Lunch. However, the programme was axed in 2023, leaving fans wondering when they might see her back on screen.
Now, Steph is set to host a brand-new BBC series titled The Big Deal, in which a group of amateur art dealers go head-to-head as they buy and sell artworks in a bid to turn a profit.
The six-part limited series is due to premiere later this year, with an exact launch date yet to be confirmed.
Speaking to The Mirror, Steph explained:
“While lots of people are happy to splash out on theatre tickets, music festivals or holidays abroad, spending time and money looking at or buying art can feel a bit more intimidating.”
She added:
“This show dispels the myth that art is exclusive. I’m buzzing for you to see how our dealers, from all walks of life, get on when we take them into the heart of the art market, with the ultimate aim of making money.”
Steph first made her name at the BBC as a business presenter on BBC Breakfast before going on to co-host the programme. In 2020, she launched her own Channel 4 daytime chat show, Steph’s Packed Lunch, which ran until its cancellation three years later.
Since then, viewers have missed her presence on daytime television, but in October Steph confirmed she would be taking over the legendary BBC series Crimewatch Live.
Sharing the news on social media, she posted a snap alongside co-presenter Rav Wilding and wrote:
“The news is out. Starting Monday #Crimewatch.”
She will join the programme alongside Scottish presenter Jennifer Reoch, with the pair sharing hosting duties across the three-week run. Steph will front the first two Mondays and Tuesdays, with Jennifer taking over from Wednesday to Friday, before Steph hosts the entire third week.
It has now been 40 years since the original Crimewatch launched, with the format combining crime reconstructions and public appeals to help police solve cases. Since becoming Crimewatch Live, the show has led to multiple arrests and charges.
The new series will feature fresh reconstructions, wanted appeals and updates on ongoing investigations, covering offences ranging from robbery to assault and murder.
