Steph McGovern has received backing from none other than Vera author Ann Cleeves, after it was revealed that the TV presenter will be following in the acclaimed writer's footsteps by releasing her very own crime novel.
North East star Steph, who lives by the coast in Tynemouth, has long been a big supporter of crime fiction, with her being the host of a special Vera fan event at Playhouse Whitley Bay, attended by Ann and the ITV drama's lead actress Brenda Blethyn; as well as being involved with a number of other literary events. And now, the ex Packed Lunch anchor is taking her passing for crime writing to the next level, by penning her own book called Deadline.
The announcement was made on Steph's rather surprising career move at the weekend and, having already read the novel, it was quotes from Ann that were used as the teaser for its release and Steph's appearance at a festival in Harrogate to promote it. Clearly a big fan of what Steph has come up with, Ann wrote: "For years, Steph has been supporting other writers at the festival. Now she's at Harrogate in her own right.
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"She's written a pacey, witty engaging thriller, entertaining and delightfully authentic, but hard-hitting and thought provoking too. I can't wait for you all to read it."
News of her debut novel comes months after former Look North presenter Steph suffered the heart-breaking blow of seeing her lunchtime show Steph's Packed Lunch cancelled by Channel 4, with its final episode airing at the end of last year, three years aster it started life as a programme Steph hosted from her living room during the Covid pandemic.
Confirming it wouldn't be back for another run, a spokesperson for Channel 4 said: "Steph has not only made the nation's lunchtimes more entertaining and brilliantly reflected the views and preoccupations of the country, but the show has also been an outstanding springboard for developing local talent behind the scenes.
"However, with audience habits changing quicker than ever, we have to make difficult decisions about which programmes to invest in to best drive our digital-first strategy, and we have decided not to recommission Steph's Packed Lunch when its existing production contract ends in December 2023."
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