Channel 4 has brought forward its new live lunchtime magazine show fronted by Steph McGovern by several weeks, with the programme now launching on Monday.

The Steph Show was due to begin in late April from new studios in Leeds, but faced the prospect of being severely delayed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease.

In a drastic change of plans, however, Channel 4 have decided to instead bring the show forward and air it live from McGovern's home as part of its strategy to 'entertain the nation'

"So this might not be how we planned it, but I'm itching to get on air and get chatting to all the people out there doing amazing stuff through these crazy times," McGovern said in a statement.

"Whatever you're up to, we want to bring some much-needed joy to your day and help you navigate your way through the madness."

Ian Katz, director of programming at Channel 4, added: "I want us to be the place that captures – and hopefully lifts - the mood of the nation, connects people and helps them get through the next few months of uncertainty and isolation with a combination of useful advice, stuff to do, cheering diversion and plain fun.

"The perfect person to do that is Steph McGovern, one of the best loved and most versatile broadcasters in the country and I'm delighted that we have been able to bring forward the launch of her new show, broadcast live from her Yorkshire home daily from Monday."

The Steph Show airs weekdays at 12pm on Channel 4 from Monday.