Lorraine Presenter Addresses ITV Daytime Shake-Up and Team Impact
ITV presenter Ranvir Singh has candidly spoken about the "difficulties" experienced by the production team behind the broadcaster's flagship daytime shows, following significant scheduling changes and staff cuts. The revelations come amidst a period of transformation for ITV's morning lineup, which includes Lorraine, Good Morning Britain, and Loose Women.
Major Changes to ITV's Daytime Schedule
In recent weeks, ITV has implemented several substantial alterations to its daytime programming structure. Notably, Lorraine Kelly's morning show Lorraine has seen its usual one-hour slot reduced to just thirty minutes, now operating on a seasonal basis for only thirty weeks per year. This represents a significant departure from the programme's traditional format.
Alongside these timing adjustments, ITV daytime has relocated studios, resulting in several production crew members facing job losses. Furthermore, established presenters Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard are no longer required to fill in for Lorraine Kelly during holiday periods, marking another shift in the team's dynamic.
Ranvir Singh Reflects on Colleague Impact
Despite these organisational changes, Ranvir Singh's quiz programme Riddiculous is preparing to return for its third season, having first aired in 2022. However, the presenter was keen to emphasise that personal career achievements pale in comparison to the challenges faced by colleagues behind the scenes.
"I have to say, whatever you do personally in your career doesn't really equate to the difficulties that colleagues of mine behind the scenes have clearly felt," Singh shared. "I have said a fond farewell to lots of people I've worked with for over ten years, who have got up at the crack of dawn and worked in all the different departments."
She acknowledged that while many team members have remained, and viewing figures for programmes like Good Morning Britain remain strong, the transition has been substantial. "It has been a big change," she confirmed, adding "Nothing you do personally, obviously, that's great, but you still miss the people that you have loved working with for over a decade on breakfast television."
The Unique Camaraderie of Early Morning Television
Singh reflected on the distinctive working relationships formed during early morning broadcasts, describing a "special kind of camaraderie you feel at 4am." She noted that this dynamic is particularly unique to shift work, creating bonds that endure despite organisational changes.
"That family feel... whilst we might all be slightly splintered now, the memories never, ever fade," she explained. "Any shift worker will tell you, it's a very different kind of working relationship that you form with people at that time of the morning."
The presenter confirmed she remains in contact with many former colleagues, maintaining connections through regular chats and messages.
Riddiculous Returns Amidst Changes
Turning to her quiz show Riddiculous, which returns weekdays at 3pm from February 9th on ITV and ITVX, Singh expressed optimism about its continued success. The programme, featuring Henry Lewis as The Riddlemaster, challenges contestants with general knowledge questions before presenting original riddles.
"It's going back to what we did, and the viewers absolutely loved it," she said, revealing that "we'd get over a million viewers in the first and second series, so I'm really hoping that this series does just as well."
Singh takes particular pride in having contributed original riddles to the show, with several of her creations successfully passing rigorous testing rounds to make it to air. "It was my ambition to have an original riddle done by me make it to air, and they did so I was very proud of myself," she admitted.
A Different Side to Broadcasting
The presenter highlighted how Riddiculous showcases a different aspect of her broadcasting personality compared to her news-focused work on Good Morning Britain. "It's obviously very different to news because the news... There isn't always a chance to have a giggle, news is serious and can be heavy at times," she observed.
She described the quiz show as offering "pure joy" during filming, with its lighthearted atmosphere providing a welcome contrast. "This was not only different for the viewers to see me having an absolute laugh and I take the mickey out of the contestants, and it's funny, and Henry and I have the odd flirtation here and there, it's all very tongue in cheek and lighthearted."
The Appeal of Quizzing as Escapism
Singh elaborated on the programme's appeal, suggesting it provides valuable escapism for both contestants and viewers. "For the people at home, that's what quizzing really is. It's pressing the pause button on the rest of your life, the rest of reality, waiting for you, which can be quite negative and difficult," she explained.
She characterised the experience as "indulgent and joyful" and "like a guilty pleasure," particularly appreciating how it offers respite from daily concerns. "I think that's why viewers love it, it's a pause from the miserable weather and it's a pause from the news, and I think that for me it did that in presenting it."
Despite the prize money being more modest than some quiz shows, with contestants gambling thousands rather than hundreds of thousands of pounds, Singh believes the programme's true value lies in the intellectual challenge and entertainment it provides.
