During Thursday's episode of ITV's Lorraine, presenter Andi Peters bid a live on-air farewell to the show's director, Barry, who is leaving the programme. Peters, hosting the competition segment from Surrey, said: 'I'd like to say good luck to somebody, Lorraine - to Barry, our director. This is the last time he gets to work with me and you. So, Barry, goodbye.'
Lorraine Kelly optimistically interjected: 'For now! He's talking to me now,' pointing to her earpiece. Peters continued: 'We'd like to say goodbye to our family, part of our family. Goodbye Barry,' before adding, 'He's telling me to get on with it, so I better!'
The departure comes amid significant changes to ITV's daytime schedule following cuts last year. Lorraine was reduced from an hour to 30 minutes, with Good Morning Britain extended by half an hour. The show now airs for only 30 weeks of the year, with GMB filling the slot during its absence. Loose Women has also been cut to 30 weeks annually.
Kevin Lygo, ITV's managing director of Media and Entertainment, previously described the changes as part of a 'transition', acknowledging the impact on off-screen staff. He stated: 'We will work with ITV studios and ITN as they manage these changes to produce the shows differently from next year, and support them through this transition.'
