Tim Lovejoy, one of the hosts of Sunday Brunch, began the show by announcing a major shake-up to the scheduling. The presenter also explained that this week's edition would feature fewer guests than usual.
Guest Line-Up and Missing Appearance
The former Soccer AM presenter was joined, as always, by TV chef Simon Rimmer on hosting duties as the duo welcomed a handful of familiar faces to the studio. Joining them for today's instalment (May 10) were Ruel, Kevin Olusola, Alex Fletcher, and Nick Pickard.
Ruel is an Australian singer-songwriter currently touring across the UK. He sat alongside Olusola, also known as K.O., an American singer-songwriter, beatboxer, and cellist. Olusola is best known as the beatboxer of the a cappella group Pentatonix and was making a return to the show, mentioning that he met Seal during his previous appearance.
Meanwhile, Fletcher and Pickard are well known for starring on the soap opera Hollyoaks. However, there seemed to be a guest missing from the line-up. TV listings stated that Alex Iwobi was also set to feature on the show. However, the Premier League footballer, who currently plays for Fulham, was notably absent from the studio. It is not known whether he will make a late appearance at the time of writing.
Schedule Changes and Football Focus
Minutes into the show, Lovejoy said that they had fewer guests than usual gathered around their brunch table, and the show would be ending earlier than usual. While it typically lasts three hours, airing between 10am and 1pm, today's edition would wrap up at 12pm. This is because of the Women's FA Cup semi-final fixture due to be broadcast live on Channel 4. Liverpool vs Brighton will be shown, with a kick-off time of 12.15pm.
Lovejoy, born in London, showed his backing for Brighton in the huge fixture by shouting "Go Seagulls!" while Rimmer, who was born in Wallasey, Wirral, responded by saying he was supporting "Liverpool, obviously." The football connections didn't end there. During Ruel's interview, he revealed that while born in the UK, he has Dutch heritage and his full name is actually Ruel van Dijk. Lovejoy quipped that he could play centre back for Liverpool alongside Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.
Viewer Reactions and Next Week
This announcement comes a week after fans complained about the line-up of guests on the show. People admitted they were switching off the show as they were left unimpressed with those appearing. However, viewers seemed a bit more pleased with this week's offering. One person posted on social media: "Ruel on social media is random." Another added: "Brookside legend Alex Fletcher on Sunday Brunch, she's a fab actress and very down to earth, I loved Jacqui Dixon back in the day!"
The host then confirmed that the show is expected to return to its normal runtime next week. According to TV Guide, the guests will include Jamie Laing, Victoria Smurfit, and Bonnie Langford. Sunday Brunch continues next Sunday from 10am on Channel 4.
