Lorraine Show Under Pressure as Viewing Figures Barely Dip During ITV Break
ITV has implemented significant changes to its daytime scheduling, including reducing the Lorraine show and Loose Women to just 30 weeks per year. Now, the latest viewing figures have been revealed, sparking concerns about the future of these long-running programmes.
Schedule Cuts Leave Lorraine Kelly Feeling 'Flat'
Earlier this month, reports emerged that veteran presenter Lorraine Kelly, 66, was feeling 'flat' and 'at a loss' following the brutal cuts that have dramatically altered her beloved show. The TV legend, a regular face on ITV for decades, has seen her programme slashed from year-round broadcasting to a seasonal format since January.
Not only has the show been reduced to 30 weeks annually, but episodes now air for just 30 minutes instead of the previous hour. Many key production staff lost their jobs in the process, and Lorraine has notably removed references to the show from her Instagram bio, hinting at her personal dismay over the changes.
Viewing Figures Remain Stable During Absence
The show, which typically occupies the mid-morning slot after Good Morning Britain, was temporarily replaced, giving ITV bosses a unique opportunity to assess audience response without it. According to sources cited by The Sun, this absence served as a test of the programme's popularity.
'Not having these shows on air has been something of a test of their popularity and ITV bosses have been closely watching the viewing figures,' a source shared. 'Good Morning Britain has just extended into the time slot occupied by Lorraine and they haven’t suddenly seen the number of viewers drop off.'
This stability in viewing figures during the break has led to speculation that the show might be under increased pressure, as its absence did little to disrupt audience habits.
ITV Denies Further Changes Amid Speculation
Despite the rumours swirling about the show's future, ITV has firmly denied any plans for additional alterations. A spokesperson told the Mirror: 'As we shared last year, both Lorraine and Loose Women now air seasonally throughout the year, and there are no plans to change this.'
The spokesperson added: 'We are incredibly proud of both programmes at ITV and all they continue to achieve — the BAFTA-nominated Lorraine and the RTS award-winning Loose Women. They are a much-loved part of our ITV Daytime family, and we can’t wait to have them both back on screen in the next couple of weeks.'
Return Dates Confirmed for Both Shows
It has now been confirmed that Loose Women will be the first to return to screens, broadcasting once again from Monday, April 27th. Christine Lampard will resume her usual role as anchor, with the panel featuring Coleen Nolan, former I'm A Celebrity... star Jane Moore, and ex-EastEnders actress Nadia Sawalha.
As for Lorraine Kelly's eponymous chat show, the daytime legend is scheduled to make her comeback a week later on May 4th, according to The Sun. This follows a period where the show has seen reduced hosting support; previously, Lorraine shared duties with stars like Christine Lampard, Ranvir Singh, Louise Minchin, and Rylan Clark, but now fronts all five weekly episodes herself following the cuts.
The minimal impact on viewing figures during the break raises questions about the show's essential role in ITV's daytime lineup, even as the network reaffirms its commitment to the seasonal format.
