This Morning was pulled off air 15 minutes early on Wednesday as Chancellor John Healey delivered his budget statement, the first since his appointment in July 2026. The schedule change also meant Loose Women was removed from ITV's usual lineup.
Presenter Dermot O'Leary announced the adjustment at the start of the programme, telling viewers: "Welcome to your Wednesday This Morning, we're quite giddy, we're live with you until 12:15 today because of the old budget. So they're taking 15 minutes away from us."
Budget broadcast reshapes ITV afternoon
Normally, This Morning airs for two and a half hours from 10am to 12.30pm, followed by Loose Women. However, the Chancellor's statement was broadcast from 12.15pm until 2pm, meaning Loose Women did not air on Wednesday afternoon.
Co-presenter Siân responded to the early finish with a light-hearted remark: "Weirdly, at school I used to finish a little bit earlier on a Wednesday. It was a half-two finish for some reason. Great times."
Viewers praise Siân and Dermot duo
This week, Siân and Dermot have been presenting the show while regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard take a half-term holiday. Audiences have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the pairing, with several calling for Siân to become a more permanent fixture.
On X, one viewer wrote: "Dermot and Siân are adorable together." Another said: "Much prefer Dermot presenting with Siân - far less frantic!" A third added: "Dermot works well with Siân and is less hyper compared to Alison #thismorning." On Instagram, comments included "Pound for Pound the best This Morning presenter. You just have a lovely demeanour," "Love when you're on!! Breath of fresh air! Xx" and "It's great to see you on This Morning, you look amazing."
This Morning continues weekdays on ITV from 10am.
