Lorraine Kelly has expressed her disappointment regarding significant reductions to her ITV daytime program. These changes have resulted in the show being cut from one hour to just 30 minutes. Additionally, the show’s annual duration is being shortened from 52 weeks to 30 weeks.
Lorraine Kelly’s Response to the Cuts
The 65-year-old host has been at the forefront of “Lorraine” for 15 years. In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, she admitted she was upset by these “seismic” transformations in the program’s schedule.
Changes in ITV Daytime Schedule
- Show Duration: Reduced from 60 minutes to 30 minutes.
- Annual Schedule: Cut from 52 weeks to 30 weeks.
- Good Morning Britain will extend their broadcast until 10am on Lorraine’s off weeks.
Kelly acknowledged that adjustments in the industry are necessary, stating, “This is the world that we live in now.” She has experienced many shifts in television leadership throughout her career and sees this as just another change, albeit a significant one.
Concerns for the Team
One of Kelly’s primary concerns is the impact of these cuts on her team. She lamented, “The thing that has upset me the most is the fact that we’ve got this great team, and obviously, that’s not going to be in place next year because jobs will go.”
Despite the uncertainties, she hopes to retain some of her exceptional colleagues for the future. Kelly expressed her sadness over the lost opportunities for her team members and the show’s dynamic.
Future Productions and Cost-Cutting Measures
ITV is also considering a proposal that involves the consolidation of several shows. “Lorraine,” “This Morning,” and “Loose Women” may be produced by a single team, which would streamline operations and reduce expenses in the long run.
As changes unfold in daytime television, the future of Lorraine Kelly’s show and her dedicated team remains a topic of concern and conversation.
