Simon Rimmer was notably absent from the latest live episode of Sunday Brunch.
At the opening of Sunday’s (February 23) show, Tim Lovejoy informed viewers that his co-presenter Simon was unwell and unable to co-host.
He said: “There’s no Simon Rimmer this morning because he’s ill but don’t worry Angela Hartnett is going to cook instead. What a replacement.”
The programme welcomed guests Gabrielle, Jordan Gray, Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman, Philippa Dunne, and Daniel Mays. Since its inception in 2012, Simon has been a regular feature alongside Tim.
This news follows an incident earlier in the month where Tim had to apologise live on air due to a blunder.
During that particular show, famed American actor Billy Porter inadvertently swore while discussing which panel member previously worked as a sofa salesman.
Billy attempted to deceive by claiming it was him who had the furniture sales background, but when Simon Rimmer questioned the truthfulness, Billy accidentally exclaimed “Oh s***”. The unexpected swear word caused a mix of shock and amusement on set, leading Tim to quickly apologise to the audience, remarking: “Apologies for any bad language that anybody heard there.”, reports the Mirror.
Home viewers caught the moment and promptly expressed their reactions on X – the platform previously known as Twitter. One fan effused: “Looking amazing and cursing like a trooper on live TV. Billy Porter is a star! #SundayBrunch.”
Meanwhile, another viewer joked: “It’s ok no one is offended….as no one is watching! #sundaybrunch.” A third observer asked: “Anyone else notice Billy swearing? ” Simon is set to expand his broadcasting career, having been announced as part of Global’s Gold Radio 2025 line-up, where he’ll host a new show featuring classic hits from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm. He will also continue co-presenting Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.
Sunday Brunch airs weekly on Channel 4 at 10am