Lorraine Kelly made her return to screens today after ITV announced major cuts to her show. The presenter, who has just won a BAFTA and returned from surgery, now faces her programme being reduced to just 30 minutes a day for 30 weeks of the year.
ITV confirmed that from now on, Lorraine will air from 9.30am to 10am for half the year, with Good Morning Britain extended to 9.30am. When Lorraine is off air, GMB will run until 10am, followed by This Morning.
Sources close to the presenter have expressed fears she may quit. An insider told The Mirror: 'There are genuine fears among staff that Lorraine may decide to walk if the quality of the show they are putting out declines. It’s hard to see how standards won’t fall… and there are questions over whether Lorraine will want to be associated with that.'
Another source added: 'This is a presenter who has just come back from having an operation, has won a BAFTA, is enjoying record ratings… and then ITV show their appreciation by yanking her off air half the year. Staff are beside themselves, and have been in tears constantly.'
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, defended the changes, saying they would allow the network to 'continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love' and generate savings for reinvestment. He acknowledged the impact on off-screen staff.
Lorraine returned to her show this week after undergoing surgery for an ovarian cyst. She told viewers: 'There was a bit of bleeding and when I say discomfort, you know I’m stoic but it was horrible.' Her show currently enjoys record ratings.
