ITV Daytime Stars Clash Over Cramped Studio Conditions and Shared Facilities
Morale among the stars of ITV's flagship daytime shows has reportedly hit an all-time low due to the cramped conditions at the broadcaster's new studio. The relocation, part of a cost-cutting initiative that led to nearly 200 job losses across programmes like Loose Women, This Morning, and Lorraine, has sparked significant frustration among presenters.
Shared Toilets and Dressing Rooms Spark Outrage
All three shows now share a single studio, resulting in Loose Women losing its live audience element. As part of the new working arrangements, high-profile presenters including Cat Deeley, Ben Shepherd, Dermot O'Leary, Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, and Kaye Adams are compelled to use communal toilets and dressing rooms. A TV insider revealed that Lorraine Kelly is the sole exception, maintaining her own private toilet and dressing room, though even she must share it with guests occasionally.
A source told The Sun: "There have been quite a lot of issues since the team's relocation to the new smaller studios. As well as the cramped space, presenters have had to give up their personal dressing rooms and loos. Lorraine is the only one who has her own private throne." The source added that Christine Lampard was forced to change outfits in a meeting room, and the lift frequently breaks down, exacerbating the difficulties.
ITV Defends the Move as Successful and Sustainable
In response to the criticism, an ITV spokesperson told The Mirror: "ITV daytime have been at the new state of the art MultiStory studios for over a month now and have adapted to the new surroundings successfully with the new space and look seeing an increase in audience share year on year and its digital output achieving almost 50 million views every month." An ITV insider echoed this sentiment, stating, "There is a positive vibe across all three of the shows."
Meanwhile, another show insider told The Sun that Lorraine Kelly has been gracious about the changes, with a source revealing: "Lorraine has been more than happy to share her toilet and no one is being precious about space. Everyone is mucking in together." The new studio, located in London's Covent Garden, is equipped with advanced technology, including a 360-degree set with LED walls, designed to facilitate quick turnarounds between shows and maximise space usage.
Broader Impact on ITV Daytime Programming
The relocation also affects Good Morning Britain, which now shares a studio with ITN News. Ranvir Singh commented on the changes, telling The Express: "A lot of those have stayed, because we're still doing really well, the figures are great for Good Morning Britain and we're doing well, but it has been a big change." She expressed sadness over losing long-time colleagues, noting, "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."
According to ITV, the new studio will produce and broadcast nearly 900 hours of live daily programming annually in a more sustainable manner, utilising a single remote gallery supplied by Gravity Media. This setup aims to streamline operations and reduce environmental impact, though it has clearly led to tensions among the star-studded cast.
