A number of Channel 5 stars are threatening to boycott the broadcaster over the lack of diversity included in the 2026 line-up. At the end of 2025, ITN productions announced it had expanded output for 5 with a new talk show and fresh presenters joining. Jeremy Vine has continued his slot from 9:15am to 11:30am, while 5 regular Storm Huntley has welcomed a new co-host, Alexis Conran, for their daytime show running from 11:30am to 12:45pm.

Matt Allwright's self-titled show debuted at the beginning of 2026, running from 12:50 to 14:00pm, while Vanessa Feltz is now rounding the daytime schedule off with her programme airing from 14:00pm to 15:00pm. A source has now expressed concern about the lack of diversity among Channel 5's daytime presenters, including stand-ins, with contributors convinced bosses don't see them as "good enough" to be main presenters.

As a result, some are considering a group boycott in protest of what they see as ongoing underrepresentation at the broadcaster.

A contributor who works across the stable of Channel 5 daytime shows told the Daily Express: "It has been noticed that Channel 5 do not have any brown or black presenters on their daytime presenting schedule. Even the back up presenters who provide cover when the main stars are on holiday have so far been all white faces.

"Some of the contributors have gotten together and are considering a group boycott of all Channel 5 shows because they're sick of the lack of representation on screen. Channel 5 see them good enough to be panelists but not good enough to be hosts."

Channel 5 editor Ian Jones did not respond when approached for comment.

Speaking about the 2026 line-up, Federico Ruiz, Commissioning Editor, 5, said: "We are thrilled at next year's daytime line-up on 5. We've put together a presenting family that our viewers love, and we're excited to give them more of what they want.

"Where others are cutting back their daytime offerings, we are ramping up. There is no substitute for live TV, and our viewers can now stay with the 5 family from their morning tea, through lunch, to school pick up - where they'll be by far the most informed people at the gates."

Ian Rumsey, Managing Director of Content, ITN, added: "I'm delighted that our partnership with 5 goes from strength to strength. We're proud to be entrusted with making more daytime content for them by making shows with their own identities, and the common theme of putting viewers' opinions first."