GMB Regular Confirms Show Future Amid ITV's Daytime TV Cutbacks
A regular contributor to Good Morning Britain has confirmed their ongoing involvement with the programme after being absent for several months. This confirmation comes against the backdrop of ITV's extensive cost-cutting measures across its daytime television slate, driven by shifting viewer habits and the rise of streaming services.
Staff Reductions and Programme Changes
The broadcaster's redundancy programme has impacted some of its most popular and enduring shows, including Lorraine, Loose Women, and Good Morning Britain. One GMB regular who had not appeared on the show for months is news correspondent Katy Rickitt, a team member since 2012. Responding to a fan inquiry on Instagram about her absence, Rickitt stated, "I'm there next week, lovely, just a quiet couple of months."
Recent changes at ITV have seen Lorraine reduced from a one-hour format to a 30-minute show, now airing for 30 weeks annually instead of 52. Loose Women has had its live audience removed. While Good Morning Britain has extended its running time to ninety minutes, cutbacks have been implemented in other areas.
Behind-the-Scenes Reductions and Studio Move
A source revealed to The Independent that GMB now operates with a team of only three hair and makeup artists, who must cater to all presenters and guests. Additionally, the show has relocated to a smaller studio at the ITN headquarters on Gray's Inn Road in London, moving from its previous, larger base at Television Centre.
For journalist Katy Rickitt, GMB has been a significant part of her life for over a decade. Notably, she met her now-husband, actor Adam Rickitt, on the show in 2011. Adam Rickitt is best known for portraying Nick Tilsley on Coronation Street from 1997 to 2004, later appearing in other soaps like Hollyoaks.
Dr Hilary Jones' Departure and Move to GB News
Rickitt's confirmation follows the recent television return of former GMB regular Dr Hilary Jones, who made his first appearance this year. Dr Hilary announced his departure from his regular roles on Good Morning Britain and Lorraine in October, affected by the broadcaster's cuts announced last May.
The 72-year-old TV doctor, who had been part of Lorraine since its 2010 launch, began his television career in 1989 as the TV-am doctor. He later served as health and medical advisor on GMTV from 1993, continuing through its transitions to Daybreak and Lorraine until budget reductions led to team scaling back.
Dr Hilary made his final regular appearance on New Year's Eve, becoming a "free agent" while hinting at potential guest returns. He has since been featured on the rival daytime programme, GB News' Breakfast with Eamonn and Ellie, joining the panel on Tuesday, February 17.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
