ITV Announces Changes to Daytime Programming
ITV is implementing major changes to its daytime programming, with Lorraine Kelly taking an extended break from her show for nearly two months due to illness and programming adjustments. The network confirmed that Lorraine will be off air for seven weeks starting in early March 2026, following her absence from broadcasts on March 5 and 6.
During Lorraine’s absence, Christine Lampard and Ben Shephard stepped in to host her show, which has now been reduced from an hour to just 30 minutes, airing weekdays from 9:30 am to 10 am. This shift is part of a broader overhaul of ITV’s daytime lineup, which was first announced in May 2025.
As part of these changes, both Lorraine and the long-running show Loose Women will now air for only 30 weeks a year. Good Morning Britain has extended its broadcast until 10 am to fill the slots traditionally held by Lorraine and Loose Women, reflecting ITV’s strategic adjustments in response to viewer habits and programming needs.
The immediate cause for the schedule shake-up is ITV’s coverage of the Cheltenham Festival, a significant event in the UK calendar. This adjustment has not come without consequences, as the programming changes have led to around 200 job losses in ITV’s daytime production, raising concerns about the impact on staff and the future of the network’s daytime offerings.
Lorraine Kelly, who is 66 years old, first gained national attention in 1988 while reporting on the Pan Am disaster in Lockerbie. Her self-titled show debuted in 2010 and has since become a staple of British morning television. Lorraine expressed her feelings about her current health situation, stating, “I am feeling a whole lot better. But this has been a bad lurgy. If you’re going through it yourself, you have my sympathy. It’s a tough one. But I am getting there.” She also mentioned, “I will be off for a good few weeks. Not because I am not well, but because of course the changes to the show.”
On social media, Lorraine’s fans have shown their support, with Susanna Reid commenting, “Get well soon @lorrainekellysmith and loads of love.” Meanwhile, Kaye Adams from Loose Women noted the emotional aspect of the programming changes, saying, “There is a reason to get tearful, it’s your last Loose Women for a few weeks. We will be back next month.”
As ITV navigates these changes, viewers and industry observers are closely watching how the network adapts its programming strategy and the potential long-term effects on its daytime shows. Details remain unconfirmed regarding further adjustments that may arise as ITV continues to respond to audience preferences and market dynamics.