The launch of Good Morning Britain's new studio has been met with a wave of viewer criticism, with many mocking its apparently cramped dimensions and cheap appearance. The programme returned on Monday 5th January 2026 after a brief hiatus, immediately conducting an interview with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch from the controversial new set.
Viewers React to 'Leaning Tower' Effect
Social media was quick to fill with scathing reviews of the studio's design. One viewer commented on the perceived impact of ITV's cost-cutting measures, writing: 'ITV cuts showing in the new set. So small, looks cheap and people sitting on top of each other.' Another pinpointed a specific issue with the camera work, stating: 'The problem with the smaller studio is when there are four people at the desk everyone leans outwards... in single camera shot it looks like we are constantly looking at human leaning towers.'
Co-host Ed Balls, the former Labour shadow chancellor, had enthusiastically posted on X ahead of the broadcast: 'New Year, New Studio - we’re off on GMB in 2026!' However, the response was less than favourable, with one follower directly asking him: 'Have you replaced everyone in the gallery too? Awful camera angles, cutting cameras to the wrong shot.'
Behind the Studio Move and Schedule Disruption
The debut of the new set follows a period of confusion for regular viewers, after the show disappeared from scheduling last week. One social media user had asked: 'Where is GMB this morning?', while another criticised the break: 'Pretty pathetic going off air for two days. Do you think there is no news in early January? Really sad!'
Presenters Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh had explained the move during the final broadcast of 2025 on December 31st. They told audiences it was their 'last one in the studio as we make a move to a new home in the New Year,' confirming GMB would return on January 5th with different producers, ITN. They extended a 'huge heartfelt thank you' to the production team.
Context of ITV Budget Cuts and Job Losses
The studio transition and schedule disruption occur against a backdrop of significant austerity at ITV. The broadcaster is implementing substantial budget cuts, which have already resulted in 220 job losses. The reshuffle has also seen familiar GMB faces like Charlotte Hawkins moved to present other programmes such as ITV News.
The show's break and relaunch in a conspicuously smaller studio are being widely interpreted as direct consequences of these financial pressures. The Daily Mail has approached ITV for comment on the viewer reaction to the new set.
