In the wake of significant restructuring at ITV, a beloved Good Morning Britain star has broken her silence about her future on the flagship morning programme. Journalist Katy Rickitt, a fixture on the show since 2012, has confirmed she will be returning to screens next week after a period of absence, describing it as merely a "quiet couple of months."
Major Overhaul at ITV Studios
This revelation comes against the backdrop of sweeping changes implemented by ITV over the past year, driven by substantial budget cuts. The broadcaster announced a shocking schedule switch-up that has profoundly impacted its daytime lineup, resulting in the loss of more than 220 jobs. This figure represents nearly half of the 440 staff members previously employed across programmes like Good Morning Britain and Lorraine.
Schedule and Studio Shifts
The most dramatic alteration affects the Lorraine show, which has been reduced from a one-hour format to just 30 minutes and will now air for only 30 weeks per year, down from the previous 52. In contrast, This Morning will maintain its current length and frequency. Good Morning Britain, however, is set to be extended by 30 minutes, broadcasting from 6am to 9:30am.
Furthermore, ITV studios have relocated from their original home to a smaller facility. Good Morning Britain inaugurated this new chapter by opening its first show of 2026 in the fresh studios, with presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls helming the broadcast.
Presenter Departures Amid the Transition
This transition has not been without its casualties. Several ITV presenters have bid farewell to the network, including Richard Gaisford, Faye Barker, and Zoe Muldoon. Show regular Andrew Pierce also departed after a decade-long tenure, marking the end of an era for the programme.
Katy Rickitt's Reassuring Update
Amidst this turbulence, Katy Rickitt's update provides a note of continuity for viewers. The journalist, who joined Good Morning Britain over a decade ago as a news correspondent, addressed fan concerns directly on Instagram. When questioned with "You not on GMTV atm?"—a common colloquial reference to Good Morning Britain—Rickitt responded reassuringly: "I'm there next week, lovely, just a quiet couple of months."
Personal Life and Ventures
Beyond her television career, Katy Rickitt is married to actor Adam Rickitt, renowned for his role as Nick Tilsley on ITV's long-running soap Coronation Street from 1997 to 2004. The couple first met when Katy interviewed Adam on Good Morning Britain back in 2011, and they tied the knot three years later in a picturesque winter wonderland wedding in December 2014.
In addition to their media careers, Katy and Adam are entrepreneurs, owning an artisan bottle shop named Dexter and Jones located in Knutsford, Cheshire. This venture showcases their diverse interests beyond the broadcasting world.
The ongoing changes at ITV reflect broader challenges in the television industry, with budget constraints forcing difficult decisions. However, the confirmation of Katy Rickitt's return offers a semblance of stability for Good Morning Britain's loyal audience as the show navigates this new era.
Good Morning Britain continues to air Monday through Friday at 6am on ITV1, now with its extended runtime, as viewers adjust to the network's revamped daytime landscape.
