The much-anticipated return of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch for its 2026 series got off to a bumpy start, with viewers branding the show a 'tough watch' following an excruciatingly awkward interview.
A Stilted Start to the New Series
The lifestyle programme, presented by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, kicked off its new run on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at its regular 10am slot. The three-hour broadcast promised the usual mix of celebrity chats and cookery demos. However, the conversation with guest star Hammed Animashaun, known for roles in Black Ops and The Wheel of Time, fell notably flat.
Animashaun appeared on the show to promote the second season of BBC One's Black Ops, which launches on Thursday, January 8. Yet, the exchange quickly became strained, with the actor offering brief, unrevealing answers that left the hosts scrambling.
An Exchange Full of Awkward Pauses
Simon Rimmer attempted to delve into the actor's work, asking, "How far into the first series did you know that season two was going to be commissioned?" Animashaun's reply was succinct: "Um, it was quite a while until we found out the second series was picked up."
Tim Lovejoy then shifted topics to the Prime Video fantasy series The Wheel of Time, where Animashaun plays Loial. "The Wheel of Time, that's in the States as well. So you've got yourself a USA agent now?" Lovejoy enquired. The actor's hesitant response—"I don't know about that. I hope so. One day. Maybe"—did little to move the dialogue forward. When Lovejoy pressed, asking if he planned to work in America, Animashaun firmly closed the door: "No, I want to stay at home and work here."
Viewers Flock to Social Media to Voice 'Cringe'
The palpable discomfort was not lost on the audience at home. Fans swiftly took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their second-hand embarrassment and critique the segment's dynamics.
One viewer pointedly remarked, "Tim and Simon don't really know what questions to ask this guy. Cringe." Another seemed torn on where the blame lay, commenting, "Wasn't sure if it was the guest not giving enough for them to work with or if they were just lacking material to keep a good chat going." A third simply declared the entire experience a "tough watch!".
The reaction highlights the fine line live television walks, where even seasoned presenters can encounter interviews that simply don't spark. Sunday Brunch continues every Sunday at 10am on Channel 4, hoping for smoother sailing in the weeks ahead.
