ITV Daytime Programming Changes
Lorraine Kelly, a prominent figure in British morning television, is set to take an extended break from her show for nearly two months due to illness and significant programming changes at ITV. The network confirmed that Lorraine’s absence began after she missed broadcasts on March 5 and 6, 2026, and she will officially start her seven-week break in early March 2026.
During Lorraine’s absence, fellow presenters Christine Lampard and Ben Shephard have stepped in to host her show. This shift comes as ITV has announced a reduction in the duration of Lorraine’s show, which has been cut from an hour to just 30 minutes, now airing on weekdays from 9:30 am to 10 am. Additionally, both Lorraine and the popular talk show Loose Women will now only air for 30 weeks a year, a significant change from their previous schedules.
The changes to ITV’s daytime programming were first revealed in May 2025, with the immediate cause being the network’s coverage of the Cheltenham Festival. In a bid to fill the slots traditionally held by Lorraine and Loose Women, Good Morning Britain has extended its broadcast until 10 am, further altering the landscape of ITV’s daytime offerings.
Lorraine Kelly, who is currently 66 years old, first gained national attention in 1988 while reporting on the Pan Am disaster in Lockerbie. Her self-titled show debuted in 2010 and has since become a staple of British morning television, garnering a loyal following. As of the latest figures, Lorraine boasts 591,000 Instagram followers, with her recent update receiving 22,000 likes, indicating her continued popularity despite the current changes.
In light of her health issues, Lorraine expressed her feelings on social media, stating, “I am feeling a whole lot better. But this has been a bad lurgy. If you’re going through it yourself, you have my sympathy. It’s a tough one. But I am getting there.” She also mentioned, “I will be off for a good few weeks. Not because I am not well, but because of course the changes to the show.”
The programming changes have not only affected the show’s format but have also led to around 200 job losses within ITV’s daytime production, highlighting the broader impact of the network’s restructuring efforts. Kaye Adams, a presenter on Loose Women, acknowledged the emotional weight of the changes, stating, “There is a reason to get tearful, it’s your last Loose Women for a few weeks. We will be back next month.”
As ITV navigates these significant changes, observers are left to consider the implications for its daytime programming and the future of its beloved shows. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further adjustments or the long-term impact of these shifts on the network’s lineup.
