ITV Confirms Major Changes as Lorraine Runtime Halved and GMB Extended


ITV has officially announced significant changes to its daytime television schedule, which will take effect in 2026. Aimed at enhancing the efficiency of its programming and reallocating resources to better serve audiences, these changes are set to reshape the ITV morning experience. Here’s an in-depth look at what viewers can expect from this new schedule.

Programming Schedule Adjustments


Good Morning Britain (GMB): The show will now be extended by 30 minutes, shifting its broadcast time to 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM daily. This extended runtime will allow GMB to cover more breaking news and in-depth discussions that resonate with audiences.
Lorraine: In contrast, the popular chat show will see its runtime dramatically reduced to 30 minutes, now airing from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM. This change aims to streamline the programming lineup and accommodate viewer preferences.
On days when Lorraine is not airing, GMB will fill the entire slot from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, providing a consistent news-driven experience for viewers.#

Production Changes


GMB will now be produced by a specialized team dedicated to ITV News. This adjustment is expected to streamline national news operations and enhance the quality of news coverage during the morning hours.
Other popular shows, including Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women, will continue to be produced by ITV Studios, but from a new, centralized location in London. This change is aimed at optimizing production efforts and resources.

Impact on Staff


The restructuring associated with these adjustments involves significant staffing changes across ITV’s daytime programming. Reports indicate that there may be over 220 redundancies among the approximately 450 employees connected with the affected programs.
ITV’s management has emphasized their commitment to supporting staff during this transition, recognizing the personal impacts these changes will have on employees and their families.

Funding and Investment


ITV plans to utilize the financial savings generated from these structural changes to enhance investment in critical areas such as drama programming and major sporting events. A notable focus is on coverage leading up to the 2026 World Cup, which ITV aims to promote effectively.

Management’s Perspective


Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, shared his thoughts on these shifts, highlighting the necessity of adapting to changing viewer demands and the evolving landscape of broadcast news. He underscored the importance of daytime programming while acknowledging the challenges of these restructuring efforts.

As ITV moves forward with these significant changes, it is clear that the organization is taking critical steps to enhance its news delivery and overall viewing experience. Viewers can look forward to a more dynamic morning lineup, while the broadcaster prepares for a promising future in both news and entertainment programming.


Stay tuned for updates as ITV continues to innovate and respond to audience preferences, ensuring a captivating viewing experience for all. Are you looking forward to the new changes in ITV’s daytime programming? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!