ITV has pulled three daytime programmes off air after a power cut at its Covent Garden studio, forcing the broadcaster to issue a statement and change its schedule at short notice.
Good Morning Britain hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid announced the disruption live on air this morning (November 4), telling viewers they would continue until 10am instead of handing over to Lorraine as usual.
Shows Affected by the Power Cut
ITV confirmed that Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women would not broadcast live today. A statement posted on social media said: "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."
During the Good Morning Britain broadcast, Susanna noted: "We'd normally find out what Lorraine's got in store for us this morning." Ed added that "an event has occurred," with Susanna explaining: "A power cut at her studio. Lorraine is not on air today."
Viewer Reaction on Social Media
Viewers took to X to share their confusion. One person wrote: "No @lorraine no worries also no @thismorning (#ThisMorning) no worries for those housebound (not me) perhaps as and early Christmas season treat @itv (#itv) could run movie instead?"
Another fumed: "There is no power cut listed at the #lorraine studios in Covent Garden @ITV what’s going on?" A third added: "#thismorning has best bits? #gmb." A fourth commented: "What's going on???" while a fifth asked: "Is it just ITV that has power cuts or is it the whole of London?"
One person replied: "Surprised that big shows like ITV’s This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women won’t be on air today due to a power cut. You’d have thought ITV’s biggest morning/daytime shows would have their own backup power systems in place! Surely this is something they should be prepared for?"
Further Disruption During Broadcast
ITV also experienced additional disruption when, after a break, no adverts were shown. Instead, many viewers saw a blank screen with the ITV logo across it, adding to the confusion for those watching at home.
