Fans of Good Morning Britain were quick to express their delight this week as a beloved star made a comeback to the ITV show.
Faye Barker's Return
The popular ITV breakfast show has been broadcasting every weekday morning, with Susanna Reid, Ed Balls, Richard Madeley, Martin Lewis, Ranvir Singh, and Kate Garraway presenting the day's top stories. However, they weren't the only familiar faces to appear in the new central London studio, as a much-loved presenter made their comeback to the programme this week, just months following their ITV departure.
Background of Departure
Widespread ITV cuts resulted in four presenters leaving GMB at the conclusion of last year. Faye Barker, Sally Biddulph, Sangeeta Kandola, and Sharon Thomas - who all fronted the London news segments during GMB - said their goodbyes to viewers on social media.
Faye posted on Instagram at the time: "When you sign off from a job you have loved. Thank you to everyone who has tuned into my early morning @itvlondon bulletins over the past 17 years or so!!" She added: "This isn't goodbye, though - my new role starts tomorrow, and I am looking forward to working closely with the @gmb team and continuing to report and present for @itvnews."
Comeback to Screens
Faye has now made her return to GMB this week to deliver the remainder of the day's headlines. Posting multiple photographs from her studio appearance, Faye shared on Instagram on Thursday (June 18): "What a fun morning with team @gmb - and with some great news on the football too."
Faye expressed gratitude to her colleagues for making her feel "so welcome in the studio", noting: "And all the other amazing people behind the scenes who make this show so legendary." The presenter returned to screens on Friday morning (June 19), resuming her duties on the London news segment alongside other bulletins.
Fan Reactions
Audiences were thrilled to witness Faye's return, with one viewer posting on X (formerly Twitter): "#gmb Faye Barker should be presenting the show not doing 5 mins of headlines." Reacting to Faye's Instagram update, another fan stated: "Love this, you were brilliant," while Ranvir Singh commented: "And you're back again because we loved you so much!"
A further viewer remarked: "Nice to see Faye reading the news," with another person expressing: "Good to see Faye back." A fourth supporter reinforced the view, declaring: "You make GMB more interesting. I think you should be a main presenter on Thursday and Friday!!"
ITV Cuts Context
The ITV departures followed significant cutbacks from the broadcaster, with approximately 220 employees reportedly facing redundancy. Additionally, Lorraine was reduced to just 30 minutes over 30 weeks annually, with Loose Women similarly operating on a 30-week timetable.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
