This Morning was taken off air 15 minutes earlier than usual on Wednesday, October 28, as the programme made way for the Chancellor's budget announcement. Presenters Dermot O'Leary and Siân Welby confirmed the change during the live ITV show.
The programme normally runs from 10am until 12:30pm, when Loose Women begins. On Wednesday, however, it finished at 12:15pm to accommodate the budget statement, which was scheduled to air from 12:15pm until 2pm. Loose Women was also removed from ITV's standard timetable for the day.
Presenters confirm early finish
Opening the show, Dermot told viewers: "Welcome to your Wednesday This Morning, we're quite giddy, we're live with you until 12.15pm today because of the old budget. So they're taking 15 minutes away from us."
Siân responded: "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."
The budget will mark John Healey's first since his appointment in July 2026.
Viewers react to hosting duo
This week, Siân and Dermot have been presenting the programme while regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard take a half-term break. Audiences have shared their reactions to the pairing on social media.
On X, one person said: "Dermot and Siân are adorable together." Another wrote: "Much prefer Dermot presenting with Siân - far less frantic!"
A further comment read: "Dermot works well with Siân and is less hyper compared to Alison #thismorning." On Instagram, one viewer said: "Pound for Pound the best This Morning presenter. You just have a lovely demeanour."
Another added: "Love when you're on!! Breath of fresh air! Xx" while someone else commented: "It's great to see you on This Morning, you look amazing."
This Morning continues weekdays on ITV from 10am.
