ITV Axes Lorraine and Loose Women for Half the Year Amid Major Daytime Cuts

ITV has announced sweeping changes to its daytime schedule, with Lorraine and Loose Women set to be axed for 22 weeks each year, as the network reallocates funding toward drama and major event coverage.

In a major shake-up, Lorraine Kelly’s long-running morning show will only air for 30 of the 52 weeks, and its runtime has been slashed from 60 to just 30 minutes, now airing 9:30am to 10:00am. During the other 22 weeks, Good Morning Britain will extend its broadcast to fill the 9am–10am slot.

This also means that Lorraine’s Friday presenters, Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard, will no longer be required, as Lorraine herself will now present five days a week when the show airs.

ITV Confirms Strategic Cuts

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline the network is cost-cutting to invest more in premium drama, such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and in coverage of major sporting events like the upcoming football World Cup.

“These changes are not a result of underperformance,” a source insisted. “ITV is proud of all its daytime shows, but shifting budgets is necessary in a tougher economic climate.”

This Morning and GMB Remain Safe

Popular shows This Morning and Good Morning Britain will continue unaffected, with presenters like Alison Hammond, Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley, and Susanna Reid staying on screen.

However, Good Morning Britain will no longer be produced by ITV Studios. Instead, it will shift to ITN, the team behind ITV’s news bulletins — sparking speculation of a staff merger between GMB and ITV News.

ITV Leadership Responds

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, defended the cuts: “These scheduling and production changes will help preserve our daytime programming while allowing us to invest in other genres. Our goal is to continue delivering the content our audiences trust and love — from daytime talk shows to top-tier journalism and entertainment.”

No Talent Cuts Expected

ITV also reassured staff that no on-screen talent will be axed, despite the changes. The announcement was made in an emergency staff meeting by ITV Daytime boss Emma Gormley on Tuesday afternoon.