Lorraine Kelly has opened up about her deep disappointment following significant budget cuts impacting her ITV show. The popular daytime programme, which has long been a staple for viewers, will be reduced from a full hour to just 30 minutes each day. Additionally, it will move to a 30-week “seasonal basis” beginning January 2026 as part of ITV’s broader cost-cutting strategy.
Good Morning Britain will take over the 9-10am slot for the remainder of the year, a change that leaves Lorraine feeling particularly “very sad,” especially as she faces saying goodbye to many longtime colleagues.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Kelly reflected on the upheaval: “I was disappointed, of course I was. This is the world that we live in now. Things have to change. I’ve been through so many regime changes in my life. For me, this is just another one, but it’s seismic.”
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She emphasized that the most painful aspect is the impact on her talented team: “We’ve got this great team, and obviously, that’s not going to be in place next year because jobs will go. Hopefully I’ll be able to hang on to some of these amazing people – that’s my aim. It’s very, very sad. It really is.”
As part of the restructuring, Lorraine will present the show throughout the working week, meaning regular Friday hosts Christine Lampard and Ranvir Singh will no longer feature. Dr Hilary Jones, the show’s medical expert, also announced his departure effective December 31. In an interview with The Sun on Sunday, he said, “I’m still working until then, and then I’m a free agent. It’s liberating from the constraints of a news programme presenter.”
Jones added that many staff are being redeployed or let go as ITV navigates tough financial decisions: “People are being very sensitive to the fact that some people are having to move on. ITV, like everyone else, are having to make changes.”
In total, the broadcaster expects over 220 redundancies as part of its cost-saving measures. When asked about a potential farewell event for departing employees, Jones said, “It would be lovely if they did, but we will wait and see because money is tight. We know where we stand, and many saw changes coming.”
Despite the challenging period ahead, there remains a strong sense of camaraderie among those affected, with many determined to support each other regardless of formal farewells.