ITV was unable to broadcast three of its biggest daytime shows live on Wednesday, forcing a last-minute schedule shake-up after an overnight power outage affected its Covent Garden studio. Good Morning Britain stayed on air until 10am, with a This Morning 'best bits' episode lined up instead of the usual live programme.
Presenters Explain the Disruption
Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls explained the disruption to viewers, with Ed revealing: "We'd normally be finding out from This Morning about their show, but unfortunately there's no show. There's no show, but we're going to be here until 10, which is the most exciting."
Susanna then added: "After which, you'll have the chance to relive some of This Morning's best bits." The disruption followed an overnight power outage in the wider area around the broadcaster's Covent Garden studio, reports the Mirror.
ITV Statement and Lorraine's Response
ITV released the statement: "Following a power cut overnight in the wider area where our Covent Garden studio is based, we are unable to broadcast Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women live today. We will return to our normal schedule as soon as possible."
Lorraine Kelly also explained why her programme was absent, posting on Instagram: "Hello there, I'm on my way to work, but there's been a little bit of a hoo-ha. There's a power outage at the studio, so my show won't be on today."
"But you can still watch GMB. They're going to fix it around 11 o'clockish. So, This Morning will still be on as well, just a bit later. It's a bit of a shame. I was really looking forward to Sharleen Spiteri from Texas, but we shall reschedule, and it'll all be fine. I will see you tomorrow!"
Lorraine fans recently witnessed the presenter temporarily step away from her programme, with Loose Women's Christine Lampard stepping in to cover. She captioned the post: "These things happen. Can't be helped. See you tomorrow." While Lorraine believed This Morning might still broadcast live, Susanna and Ed confirmed it would be replaced by a 'best bits' episode.
Viewer Reactions and Technical Issues
Viewers took to X to discuss the disruption, with one saying: "Ahh, the gremlins have got in! #ThisMorning." Another said: "@itv all over the place today.. no #lorraine cutting #gmb off."
A third questioned: "There is no power cut listed at the #lorraine studios in covent Garden @ITV what's going on? #gmb." GMB also experienced technical problems during an advert break, when some viewers saw a screen displaying the ITV logo instead of commercials.
As GMB returned to air, Susanna apologised, saying: "We do have to say sorry to some of our viewers who have been affected by technical issues during our ad break. Frankly, who knows what might happen between now and 10! It's a kind of rollercoaster, isn't it?"
Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women usually air on ITV at 9.30am, 10am and 12.30pm respectively.
