Vanessa Feltz remains a fixture in British media, known for her frank style, warmth, and resilience. Over three decades, she has become a household name, shaping conversations on television and radio while navigating the shifting landscape of UK broadcasting. In 2025, her career continues to make headlines, from her high-profile Channel 5 talk show to her expanding presence on LBC and new ventures in podcasting.
A New Chapter: Leaving ‘This Morning’ After 33 Years
In March 2025, Vanessa Feltz made one of her most significant career moves, announcing her departure from ITV’s ‘This Morning’ after an extraordinary 33-year run. Her heartfelt statement reflected both nostalgia and excitement for new opportunities. “I’ve been on This Morning since 1992. It’s been a long time. But I’m now doing my own show, and I can’t do both,” she explained, expressing gratitude to colleagues and fans for their support over the decades. Feltz’s exit marked the end of an era for ITV, where she had become a staple of daytime TV, offering advice, commentary, and her trademark candour.
The Channel 5 Gamble: ‘Vanessa’ Faces Tough Ratings
Shortly after leaving ITV, Feltz launched her new self-titled talk show, ‘Vanessa,’ on Channel 5. The network hoped her star power would retain audiences from the popular ‘Jeremy Vine Show.’ However, the transition has been challenging. Recent figures show that only 62,000 viewers tuned in for a Monday episode, a sharp drop from the 200,000 who regularly watched Vine’s programme. This shortfall has prompted crisis talks among Channel 5 executives, with discussions about possible format changes and the show’s long-term viability.
Despite the rocky start, some industry insiders point out that the early afternoon slot has historically struggled to attract large audiences. Channel 5 has stated there are “no current plans for any changes,” emphasising that live shows often evolve as they respond to audience feedback. For Feltz, the show is a return to her roots; she first hosted ‘Vanessa’ on ITV in the 1990s, later moving to the BBC and then Channel 5 with similar formats. While ratings are a concern, her ability to spark conversation remains undiminished.
Radio Success: LBC and a Growing Audience
While television has brought challenges, Vanessa Feltz’s radio career is flourishing. In 2024, she joined LBC, the UK’s leading commercial news talk station, to host a Saturday afternoon show. Her incisive interviews and straight-talking style quickly resonated with listeners. By November 2024, Feltz expanded her presence, taking over the Sunday afternoon slot as well, following Carol Vorderman’s departure for health reasons. The latest RAJAR figures show she has added 112,000 listeners to her timeslot, now reaching 318,000 people each week. Feltz described her excitement about the new role, saying, “I’m looking forward to holding Britain’s biggest and most spirited conversation with my lovely LBC listeners every Saturday and Sunday afternoon”.
A New Podcast: Parenting with Her Daughter
Feltz continues to diversify her portfolio with the launch of a new podcast in June 2025. Teaming up with her daughter, child therapist Saskia Joss, she presents a Global original series focused on parenting. The podcast promises honest discussions, practical advice, and a blend of professional and personal insights, reflecting Feltz’s ongoing commitment to real-life issues that matter to UK families.
Personal Insights: Memoir and Public Reflections
Vanessa Feltz’s openness extends beyond the studio. In her recent memoir, Vanessa Bares All, she discusses her upbringing and the lasting impact of being put on a diet by her mother at the age of nine. Feltz reflects on how early experiences with food and body image shaped her, while also urging caution about imposing strict dietary rules on children. Her willingness to share personal struggles has endeared her to many and sparked important conversations about health and parenting in the UK.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Controversy
A veteran of the British media, Feltz is no stranger to public scrutiny. In the past year, she has faced criticism for comments on coeliac disease, prompting over 2,000 complaints and leading her to issue a public apology. She has also spoken candidly about her split from long-term partner Ben Ofoedu, her experiences dating in her 60s, and her views on the evolving landscape of daytime TV. Despite occasional backlash, her directness and willingness to address difficult topics have helped maintain her relevance and popularity.
Resilience in a Changing Media Landscape
Vanessa Feltz’s career reflects the challenges and opportunities facing British broadcasters today. As networks review and cut daytime programming, and as audiences fragment across platforms, personalities like Feltz are tasked with adapting while staying true to themselves. Her move from ITV to Channel 5, radio expansion, and embrace of podcasting illustrate her versatility and determination to remain at the heart of British conversation.
Looking Ahead
As of mid-2025, Vanessa Feltz stands at a crossroads. Her Channel 5 show’s future is uncertain, but her growing radio audience and new podcast suggest she is far from finished. Whether on screen, over the airwaves, or online, Feltz continues to shape the national dialogue, offering a blend of empathy, humour, and no-nonsense commentary that has become her trademark. For UK audiences, her presence remains both familiar and vital—a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic voices in British media.
Conclusion:
Vanessa Feltz’s journey through the ever-changing world of British broadcasting stands as a testament to her adaptability, resilience, and genuine connection with audiences. From her early days as a trailblazing daytime presenter to her current roles on radio, television, and in podcasting, she has consistently brought warmth, candour, and intelligence to the nation’s conversations.
As she enters new chapters in her career, Vanessa Feltz continues to inspire, inform, and entertain. Her story is one of perseverance, authenticity, and a deep-rooted passion for connecting with people. In an industry where change is the only constant, Vanessa Feltz remains a reassuring and influential figure—proof that honest, heartfelt communication will always have a place in British media.
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