Lorraine Kelly Addresses Major Cuts to ITV Show for the First Time and Admits Changes Are Necessary
Lorraine Kelly has publicly expressed her disappointment over significant changes to her ITV show. The program’s duration is being halved from one hour to 30 minutes. Additionally, the show’s annual run will decrease from 52 weeks to just 30 weeks. These alterations are part of a wider cost-saving strategy affecting ITV’s Daytime schedule.
Lorraine Kelly on Major Cuts to ITV Show
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, the seasoned presenter, who has hosted the show for 15 years, acknowledged the emotional impact of these cuts. At 65 years old, she revealed, “I was disappointed, of course I was. This is the world that we live in now.” She highlighted the necessity of change in the current television landscape.
Impact on the Team and Future Plans
Kelly emphasized her sadness over the implications for her team. She noted, “The thing that has upset me the most is the fact that we’ve got this great team, and obviously that’s not going to be in place next year because jobs will go.” Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful about retaining some of her valued colleagues. “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,” she stated.
Changes to ITV Daytime Schedule
- Show Duration Reduction: Halved from one hour to 30 minutes.
- Annual Run: Cut from 52 weeks to 30 weeks.
- Good Morning Britain: Extended to fill the gap during Lorraine’s absence, airing until 10 am.
- Proposed Production Changes: Potential consolidation of shows like Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women under one production team for efficiency.
The recent adjustments highlight the evolving nature of television programming. Kelly’s candid reflections on the necessity of these changes resonate within the industry. As ITV navigates these shifts, the focus remains on balancing quality programming with operational efficiency.
