Sunday Brunch's Simon Rimmer replaced as Tim Lovejoy pauses show to share announcement

Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer was missing from the latest live show.

Tim Lovejoy opened Sunday's (February 23) episode by announcing that his co-star Simon is poorly and therefore will not be hosting the programme with him.

He explained: "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."

Gabrielle, Jordan Gray, Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman, Philippa Dunne and Daniel Mays all appeared as guests. Simon has presented Sunday Brunch alongside Tim since it launched in 2012.

It comes after Tim was forced to intervene with an apology after a live episode faux pas occurred earlier this month. In the midst of the broadcast.

American star Billy Porter let an expletive slip while participating in a discussion about which of the guest panel had formerly worked as a sofa salesman.

Billy tried to mislead by claiming he had experience in furniture sales, but when Simon Rimmer expressed doubt that it was him who was being queried, Billy let out an impromptu "Oh s***".

The sudden profanity left everyone on set visibly stunned yet amused, prompting Tim to swiftly address the viewers, stating: "Apologies for any bad language that anybody heard there."

The error didn't go unnoticed by fans who were tuned in at home; they immediately took to X– previously known as Twitter – to express their thoughts.

One fan gushed: "Looking amazing and cursing like a trooper on live TV. Billy Porter is a star! #SundayBrunch." While another viewer quipped: "It's ok no one is offended....as no one is watching! #sundaybrunch." and a third questioned: "Anyone else notice Billy swearing?"

Simon will continue his burgeoning broadcast career following the announcement that he will join Global’s Gold Radio for its 2025 schedule. He will present a new show on the station which plays classic tracks from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm, in addition to co-presenting Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

Sunday Brunch airs weekly on Channel 4 at 10am