Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid has publicly addressed a wave of criticism from viewers who have branded the breakfast show's new studio "cramped" and "small". The comments followed the programme's high-profile relocation, a move tied to wider cost-cutting measures at ITV.
A New Home and a New Look
The flagship ITV morning show returned to screens on Monday, January 5, 2026, from a completely revamped set. This debut marked a significant scheduling shift, with Good Morning Britain extended by thirty minutes and Lorraine subsequently shortened. The changes, first announced in May 2025, have seen production move from ITV's own studios to ITN's headquarters in Central London.
Other ITV daytime programmes are now recorded at The H Club in Covent Garden. The new studio configuration places Susanna Reid and her co-host Ed Balls in much closer quarters with their guests, a change immediately noticeable during interviews such as one with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Viewer Criticism and Presenter's Defence
Shortly after the broadcast, viewers took to social media platform X to voice their disapproval of the tighter space. One critic remarked, "ITV cuts showing in the new set. So small, looks cheap and people sitting on top of each other." Another observed that with multiple guests, the hosts appeared to be "constantly looking at human leaning towers" as they angled themselves to speak.
However, Susanna Reid appeared unperturbed by the compact new surroundings. Taking to X herself, she shared coverage of the changes with an upbeat message. "@gmb studio = big headlines! More than happy to be closer to our brilliant guests...," she posted, signalling her approval of the more intimate setup.
The Human Cost of the Move
The final broadcast from the old studio aired on New Year's Eve, an emotional moment for the presenters and crew. The relocation has resulted in at least 220 job losses as part of ITV's cost-cutting strategy. Later on December 31, Susanna Reid commemorated the transition on Instagram, posting a series of snaps including a full team photo.
She penned a heartfelt note expressing gratitude to those departing, writing: "A farewell to those off to new adventures... a huge thank you to everyone who has made - and those who continue to make - GMB such a fantastic programme."
Good Morning Britain continues to air weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX from its new, more intimate studio home.
