Lorraine Kelly has spoken publicly for the first time about the sweeping cuts to her self-titled ITV daytime programme, describing the situation as 'heartbreaking'. The presenter, who has fronted the show for decades, addressed the reduction of her programme from an hour to 30 minutes, airing for only 30 weeks of the year.
The cuts form part of a major ITV Daytime overhaul, with 220 of 450 jobs in the department at risk. Kelly, however, stated that her primary concern was for her team, many of whom have worked with her for over 20 years. 'It's really heartbreaking to split up the team,' she said, adding that she was relieved a number of staff had been redeployed to other shows.
Despite speculation that she might leave, Kelly insisted she has no plans to retire. 'I don't see me going anywhere until people get fed up,' she said, citing older female presenters such as Gloria Hunniford and Angela Rippon as inspirations. She currently holds a one-year contract but denied reports she would exit at its conclusion.
Kelly acknowledged she had an 'inkling' that changes were coming, noting the show had already made cuts to operate on a tighter budget. She highlighted the programme's success in securing high-profile guests, including a recent interview with George Clooney, as evidence of its continued value to the network.
