Lorraine Kelly is reportedly preparing to take drastic measures to secure the future of her long-running ITV show after the network announced significant cutbacks. The 65-year-old presenter, who has frequently allowed other hosts to stand in for her, will now front the programme five days a week following a reduction in its running time from 60 to 30 minutes. The show will also air for only half the year, down from its previous year-round schedule.
A source told The Mirror that Kelly was unhappy with the changes and concerned for the production team, which will also face reductions. However, the source added that she must now work harder than in recent years to demonstrate the show's value to ITV bosses. The insider said: 'She needs to show bosses it is worth keeping on air. You can expect her to be pulling hard to get big name celebrities on her show instead of GMB or This Morning.'
The cutbacks are part of a broader restructuring at ITV, which the network says is aimed at increasing long-term profitability amid shifting viewer habits and the rise of streaming services. The changes, announced on May 20, will see Lorraine's show and Loose Women both reduced to 30-minute episodes airing for 30 weeks per year. The overhaul is expected to result in up to 300 job losses, with a consultation period running from now until September.
Reports indicate growing resentment behind the scenes, particularly towards This Morning, which has escaped the cuts despite recent scandals and declining viewership. A source told The Sun: 'There's a lot of rage towards This Morning, which everyone feels is constantly favoured despite it being the lame duck of the daytime flock.' Meanwhile, ITV has declined to comment on speculation about talent contracts, stating that its intention is to keep daytime shows familiar to viewers.
