This Morning aired a pre-recorded episode on Wednesday (November 4) after a power cut in Covent Garden halted live daytime programming on ITV, leaving viewers questioning what was happening.
The outage, which affected the area around the H Club Studio, meant that Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women could not be broadcast live. Lorraine Kelly announced the disruption on social media, sharing a video in which she said Good Morning Britain would be extended by half an hour, from 9.30am to 10am, to cover her usual slot.
GMB hosts confirm This Morning replacement
During Good Morning Britain, hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls confirmed that This Morning would not air as usual and would be replaced by a 'best bits' episode. "We'd normally be finding out from This Morning about their show, but unfortunately there's no show," Ed said. He added: "There's no show, but we're going to be here until 10, which is the most exciting." Susanna said: "After which, you'll have the chance to relive some of This Morning's best bits."
A statement shared on Lorraine and This Morning's social channels read: "Following a power cut overnight in the wider area where our Covent Garden studio is based, we are unable to broadcast Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women live today. We will return to our normal schedule as soon as possible."
Viewers question pre-recorded broadcast
Despite the disruption, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard appeared on screen at 10am, presenting past interviews and segments, with a message in the top corner reading: "This programme is pre-recorded."
Viewers took to social media to express confusion. @Colabubble asked: "#thismorning why is this a pre recorded show?" @AndiToo1 echoed: "What's happening? Pre recorded!! #thismorning." @MaryLuvsLaughin commented: "What's going on at #ThisMorning today? Why recordings been shown and not live?@ITV." @SandysBitxh_ wrote: "Surely this isn’t going to be pre-recorded for the whole time right? #thismorning."
@shrimp14819363 also pointed out: "#thismorning question ! if power out, how and when did cat and Ben pre record this intro for today’s apparent best bits," to which another viewer @mont2new replied: "I wondered that but I suppose if they knew before Lorraine was meant to be on they could have done it in that half hour."
