This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary announced a major schedule change on Monday, July 20, 2026, as the ITV show was cut short by an hour and a half to make way for an ITV News special. The programme, which usually airs from 10am to 12:30pm, ended at 11am instead.
Schedule Change Announcement
Hammond and O'Leary, standing in for regular hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley who are on a break, broke the news to viewers at the start of the show. Alison said: "Hello and welcome to your Monday's This Morning. It's lovely to have your company. We have a slightly shorter show for you today but there is still lots to go through." Co-host Dermot added: "There's lots going on."
Reason for the Early Finish
The early finish made room for an ITV News special covering Andy Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister. Burnham, the Labour leader, officially took over from Keir Starmer, becoming the UK's fifth Prime Minister in four years. The ITV News special aired as Burnham visited Buckingham Palace to accept the role from King Charles III.
Details of the Transition
Starmer delivered his final address as PM at around 11:15am before his visit to the palace. Burnham is expected to arrive outside Number 10 just before 1pm to address the nation. According to reports, he will promise "more breathing room" for Britain and advocate for a "stable and responsible" politics. Burnham is expected to start appointing his cabinet later in the afternoon.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
