Veteran broadcaster Vanessa Feltz is planning to launch her own YouTube talk show later this year following the sudden cancellation of her self-titled daytime program by Channel 5, according to television insiders.
The 64-year-old presenter received a four-week notice that her show would air its final episode on July 17, 2026, after an 18-month run on the network.
An unnamed TV insider shared details with The Sun regarding the presenter's reaction and her upcoming professional transition toward digital broadcasting platforms.
"Vanessa was devastated by the news her Channel 5 show is coming off air," said the insider.
The source noted that Feltz is looking at successful digital transitions made by other high-profile media personalities, including Piers Morgan and Holly Willoughby, who have built substantial audiences on the platform.
"Vanessa has seen the success of broadcasters like Piers Morgan on YouTube and is keen to replicate that," the insider added.
The presenter has begun consulting with colleagues in the entertainment industry as she maps out the structure of the independent online venture.
"She is in the early stages of planning her own show that could launch later in the year," the insider stated.
According to the source, the new project represents a fresh direction for the long-time television fixture.
"It's an exciting new chapter for Vanessa who has been confiding in her famous friends and fellow TV stars about her plans," the insider said.
Feltz Expresses Shock Over Cancellation
Feltz publicly addressed the network's decision for the first time during her regular broadcast on LBC, expressing her personal astonishment at the cancellation.
"It was a bit of a shock," said Feltz.
The presenter explained that the program had been performing well prior to the network's sudden announcement.
"It was meant to be a delightful year's contract, the show was going really well..." Feltz said.
Feltz's corporate parent company Paramount engineered the scheduling shift to cut broadcasting costs by utilizing existing media assets.
"I was shocked to the core and very upset and I still am. It was only Wednesday at 3 o'clock that I found out," Feltz said.
The daytime slot will be replaced by cinematic releases that the network's parent corporation already owns.
"It apparently comes from Paramount, who bought Channel 5," Feltz said.
The strategic shift allows the afternoon programming block to fill airtime without incurring new production expenses.
"They want to show Paramount movies every afternoon at two. It doesn't cost them any money because they already own them," Feltz said.
The presenter concluded that the decision was entirely driven by corporate syndication strategies rather than her show's performance.
"I don't think I really came into the equation at all," Feltz said.
A Channel 5 spokesperson issued an official statement to Metro confirming the programmatic changes and acknowledging the production team's efforts.
"Due to afternoon scheduling changes, Vanessa will be rested from July 17th," the spokesperson said.
The network emphasized that the parting remains amicable and that corporate discussions regarding alternative television formats are ongoing.
"We thank Vanessa and her team at ITN for 18 months of warm, witty, wise and searingly honest shows," the spokesperson added.
The network clarified that the veteran presenter maintains her relationship with the broadcasting company despite the afternoon lineup adjustment.
"Vanessa remains a valued member of the Channel 5 family and we are discussing future projects together," the spokesperson said.
