Good Morning Britain hit as ITV cuts hundreds of jobs
ITV is to cut hundreds of jobs across its most popular daytime TV shows as part of the broadcaster's scramble to cut costs.
In a radical restructuring unveiled on Tuesday, the channel told staff it plans to transfer production of its flagship breakfast programme Good Morning Britain (GMB) from its in-house studios division to ITN, the news production business it jointly owns with Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The move, which will merge GMB's production teams with those of ITV News, is expected to result in more than 220 redundancies – almost half the broadcaster's daytime staff.
The shake-up will also see ITV make sweeping changes to its daytime schedule. GMB, whose presenters include Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, will be extended by half an hour until 9:30am.
Lorraine, the current affairs show fronted by Lorraine Kelly, will be slashed in half to just 30 minutes.
Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will also now air for just 30 weeks of the year, with plans for one team to produce all three shows from next year.
The shake-up underscores efforts to slash costs in daytime programming as traditional broadcasters grapple with an exodus of viewers to streaming rivals such as Netflix and Disney.
The public service broadcaster has already cut around 200 jobs in the past year and in March, bosses outlined plans to strip a further £60m out of the business.
GMB has also been falling in popularity in recent years.
The show pulled in an average audience of more than 1m prior to Piers Morgan's dramatic departure in 2021, but has since slid to around 700,000 and is lagging behind key rival BBC Breakfast.
ITV is also receiving interest from a growing number of suitors over a potential takeover that could see the channel broken up or sold entirely.
RedBird IMI, the UAE fund blocked from taking control of The Telegraph, has approached the broadcaster about a potential merger with All3Media, the production company behind The Traitors, which it acquired for £1.2bn last year.
Banijay, the French production behemoth whose hits include Big Brother, MasterChef and Peaky Blinders, has reportedly also held early-stage discussions about a possible tie-up.
Discussions over a potential break-up have sparked concerns among MPs about the sustainability of ITV's traditional broadcasting business and potential cuts to its local news programming.
Sources close to ITV insisted that the daytime overhaul was unrelated to any possible deal.
Instead, they said the broadcaster will reinvest the savings into big-hitting dramas such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office, as well as major sporting events.
The shake-up also comes amid calls for greater support for traditional broadcasters in the face of deep-pocketed US rivals.
High-profile figures across the industry have warned of a funding crisis facing traditional TV that they say puts quintessentially British dramas at risk.
Patrick Spence, the former ITV executive who produced Mr Bates vs The Post Office, has said there is 'absolutely no chance' the programme would get funding now.
The crisis has prompted calls by MPs for a 'Netflix tax' on streaming companies to help fund British shows. However, ministers have ruled out a levy.
Kevin Lygo, ITV's head of media and entertainment, said: 'Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust as well generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres.
'These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output and to build upon our proud history of trusted journalism at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever.'
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Coronation Street star reportedly quits with final scenes having already aired
A Coronation Street star is said to have left the ITV soap, with fans having already watched his final scenes. Jack Carroll, known for his role as Bobby Crawford, is reported to have left the show after two years. The 26-year-old first came to wider attention after appearing on Britain's Got Talent back in 2013. In the seventh series of the ITV talent show, his comedic act saw him finish as runner-up. Since then, he has acted in a few films and TV shows, including Trollied, Eaten By Lions, Doctors, Father Brown and more. He arrived on Coronation Street in 2023 as the nephew of Carla Connor, and the secret son of Rob Donovan. In a recent storyline, Bobby and Lauren Bolton clashed when she wrongly accused him of blackmailing her. This infuriated Bobby, who told Lauren that they were no longer friends, and decided to go on a lads' holiday to Spain with Simon Barlow. According to reports, this apparently has marked Carroll's exit from the soap, which his last episode having aired back on May 12. A source told The Mirror: "Bobby has had a dramatic couple of years on the cobbles, but the time has come to bid farewell. "Actor Jack enjoyed his time on the soap, but it's time to move on. Viewers won't see the character exit the street as he's already left, with Jack filming his final scenes some time ago. "The door has been left open for Jack should he wish to come back to the show in the future. With his Aunty Carla there, Bobby will always have a place in Weatherfield." Recommended reading: Coronation Street star heartbroken as business burns down in 'devastating' fire Call the Midwife confirms return of star as fans say 'he's back where he belongs' Emmerdale fans slam 'grating' storyline involving 'dull' ITV character During his time on the show, Jack's character was involved in a number of hard-hitting storylines, including his shock reveal that he was killer Rob Donovan's secret son. His aunt Carla then took him under her wing, but was left reeling when she found out Bobby had planned to help Rob escape after he had kidnapped her. Jack's exit follows a number of departures of young actors from the soap, including Colson Smith, Luca Toolan and Charlotte Jordan. Newsquest has contacted ITV for comment.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Must-see TV this week: Jeremy Vine fronts new game show and Jordan Gray's bold comedy
Prince William and Princess Anne have each made their own unique impact on the modern monarchy, so it's only fitting that Channel 5 is dedicating two documentaries to these Royal figures this week. Channel 5 is also set to challenge celebrities with its brand new game show, Celebrity Puzzling, hosted by Jeremy Vine. In this programme, the host challenges household names like Carol Vorderman and Sally Lindsay to a mind-bending game. Meanwhile, Ken Bruce is bringing his PopMasterTV to Channel 4, and ITV2 is launching a pioneering comedy, Transaction, starring Jordan Gray. Here are all the shows you need to keep an eye on this week. READ MORE: ITV Love Islander told to 'go home' immediately as game causes more tensions in villa READ MORE: BBC EastEnders actress 'quits' soap just days after return Saturday, 5 Prince William: A Monarch in the Making is a revealing documentary that takes a deep dive into the prince's life from childhood to present day. Using rare archival footage and key interviews, it explores his upbringing, his relationship with his mother, Princess Diana, and his very public fallout with Prince Harry. The documentary presents William not just as a royal, but as a man shaped by loss and duty. It's a fascinating portrait of a prince on the brink of kingship and a man navigating family, fame and the future. Sunday, ITV Missed out on Wembley? Don't worry - ITV is bringing the party straight to your living room. Hosted by Sian Welby, Chris Stark and Jordan North on Capital Breakfast, this year's Summertime Ball features performances from some of the biggest stars around, including Mariah Carey, McFly, and rising sensation Lola Young. With Eurovision favourites Remember Monday also set to perform, this is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited music events of the summer, promising a night filled with fireworks, sing-alongs and feel-good vibes. Monday, Sky Returning for its third season, The Gilded Age offers a sumptuous and dramatic glimpse into the conflict between old wealth and new ambition in 1880s America. Bertha Russell, played by Carrie Coon, has her sights firmly set on social ascendancy, while her husband George, portrayed by Morgan Spector, risks it all in a high-stakes financial gamble. With breathtaking visuals, iconic appearances from Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski, and ruthless competition, it's an opulent, compelling drama about legacy, power and the lengths people will go to maintain their place in history. Monday, C4 Ken Bruce brings his much-loved music quiz to the small screen, and it's as delightful as ever. Five music enthusiasts go head-to-head in a pop trivia showdown, navigating through decades of chart history in a game where memory is key. Featuring singalong classics, retro trivia and Ken's dry wit tying it all together, PopMasterTV is a nostalgic treasure. Whether you're a chart aficionado or a casual fan, it's the kind of heartwarming, comforting telly that'll have you shouting answers from your sofa. Monday, C4 Behind every crime scene is a gruesome aftermath - and a clean-up crew ready to tackle the unimaginable. This ten-part series shadows real-life trauma cleaners in the UK and US as they scrub, sanitise and support victims' families through unthinkable loss. From burglaries to horrific murders, it's raw, graphic and heart-wrenching - but also profoundly humane. With round-the-clock call-outs and remarkable compassion, Crime Scene Cleaners spotlights the unsung heroes aiding others to start anew - one horrifying job at a time. Tuesday, 5 It's all about mental agility in this snug celebrity competition hosted by Jeremy Vine. Team captains Carol Vorderman and Sally Lindsay lead their celeb teams, clashing in contests of logic, memory, wordplay and wit. With hilarious moments, unexpectedly tense face-offs and guest appearances from stars like Gareth Malone and Scarlett Moffatt, Celebrity Puzzling is ideal telly for puzzle enthusiasts. It's gentle, gratifying and the perfect watch to relax. Tuesday, ITV2 Jordan Gray is a whirlwind in this chaotic comedy about Liv, a trans nightshift worker who turns her supermarket shift into anything but ordinary. Hired as a PR stunt after the manager (Nick Frost) makes an offensive comment, Liv quickly realises she's unfireable - and uses it to create delightful chaos. Transaction is sharp, goofy and proudly anarchic, with Jordan's wild charisma fuelling every scene. It's disorderly, loud and defiant - and one of the most daring new British comedies in recent times. Tuesday, Disney+ In the aftermath of Wakanda Forever, Riri Williams steps up to the plate in Ironheart, a fresh and stylish Marvel series where technology collides with enchantment. Dominique Throne sparkles as Riri, an MIT prodigy entangled in a perilous dance with the enigmatic Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos). As the tension between science and magic escalates, Riri must construct more than just a super-suit - she's tasked with forging her own legacy. Brimming with action, filled with emotion and a must-watch for Phase Five enthusiasts, this is Marvel's next grand venture. Wednesday, BBC3 Back in 2016, Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint in a Parisian hotel and robbed of millions worth of jewels - a crime that sent shockwaves around the globe. This riveting BBC documentary delves into the full narrative, from police probes and court footage to interviews with journalists and those close to the American reality TV sensation. Re-examining that horrifying night and its worldwide repercussions, this documentary reveals details that have been kept under wraps - until now. It's polished, insightful and unexpectedly moving. Wednesday, BBC1 Amol Rajan embarks on a poignant and personal pilgrimage to India's Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering on the planet. Amidst millions of pilgrims and extraordinary rituals, he ponders faith, family and identity - while rekindling ties with his birthplace. This isn't merely a documentary about spectacle; it's a profound exploration of belonging and spirituality. Exquisitely filmed and subtly profound, this one-off hour captures something few travel shows ever do: the emotional tug of home and the potency of belief. Thursday, Disney + Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmy, is back in the kitchen for season four and things are heating up. With the restaurant's success on the rise and the stakes getting higher, Carmy, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) face new challenges that could cause a meltdown. The Bear offers a raw and intense look at ambition, grief and resilience, blending chaos and tenderness with pinpoint accuracy. Brace yourself for more kitchen dramas and silent triumphs in this must-watch drama. Friday, Netflix The worldwide sensation Squid Game reaches its climactic end, with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) seeking retribution. Tormented by his past and fuelled by sorrow, he aims to dismantle the Game once and for all. However, the elusive Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) has other ideas, escalating the psychological battle. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, this gripping, emotional finale delivers shocks, heart and explosive tension as Squid Game secures its spot in TV history with an unforgettable final chapter. Friday, 9pm, 5 This 90-minute documentary finally shines a spotlight on the monarchy's most steadfast operator, Princess Anne. Often underestimated but never outperformed, Princess Anne has quietly become the Royal Family's hardest worker and bravest soul. From Olympic triumphs to diplomatic duties, this film charts her journey from a headstrong teenager to a cornerstone of the Crown. Featuring expert commentary, archival footage and rare peeks behind palace doors, it's a tribute to a woman who lives by her own rules - and rarely makes a misstep.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Channel 4 inviting Reading applications for second series of Virgin Island
Channel 4 is looking for people from Reading to take part in the second series of its hit show Virgin Island. The series follows 12 adult virgins as they travel to a luxury Mediterranean retreat to embark on a unique course in intimacy, to see if it can help them to overcome the fears that are holding them back. The first series has been streamed nearly nine million times and proved popular with young audiences. Earlier this month it was confirmed the show had been recommissioned for a second series, and its producers are now looking for people aged 21 or older to take part. People can view the full eligibility criteria and apply to be on the new series by visiting
