What Are Lorraine Kelly's Thoughts on the Sad Changes to Her ITV Show?

Lorraine Kelly has expressed her disappointment over significant changes to her daytime ITV show, now airing on a ‘seasonal basis’ with reduced running time, following budget cuts. This adjustment means that Lorraine will host her show for only 30 weeks a year, with Good Morning Britain taking over the traditional 9am to 10am slot for 22 weeks, eliminating the need for her stand-in hosts.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The ITV daytime landscape is undergoing notable shifts as Lorraine Kelly's show adapts to new budgetary constraints. Lorraine will now air for only 30 weeks per year, a stark change from its previous format. The show will be slotted into a half-hour segment from 9:30am to 10am, significantly reducing its airing time. Good Morning Britain will fill the 9am to 10am slot for 22 weeks, leading to the departure of her regular stand-ins, Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard. Lorraine has publicly voiced her distress over the situation, particularly concerning the impact on her team.

Key takeaways

Lorraine Kelly's show will now operate on a seasonal basis, airing for 30 weeks a year.
Good Morning Britain will take over the 9am slot for 22 weeks, reducing Lorraine's traditional airtime.
Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard will no longer be needed as stand-ins, leading to job losses.
Dr. Hilary Jones is set to leave his role as health editor on Lorraine after 31 December 2023.
ITV aims to generate savings while maintaining trusted journalism amidst budget cuts.

Timeline: how we got here

Several significant milestones have led to these changes in ITV's daytime programming:

1993: Dr. Hilary Jones joins GMTV, marking the beginning of his long-standing association with ITV daytime.
2010: Dr. Hilary becomes the health editor on Lorraine.
October 2023: ITV announces budget cuts affecting Lorraine, resulting in a reduced airtime and seasonal schedule.
End of December 2023: Dr. Hilary Jones will officially leave Lorraine.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, Lorraine Kelly openly discussed her disappointment regarding the changes to her show during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. She described the situation as ‘seismic’ and expressed concern over the fate of her team. Additionally, ITV confirmed the seasonal schedule and reduced airtime for Lorraine, which marks a significant shift in their programming strategy.

What was already established

Prior to this week, it was already known that ITV was facing budgetary pressures, leading to speculation about potential cuts across various shows. Lorraine has been a staple of daytime television for years, and changes to her format have been a topic of speculation for some time. The departure of Dr. Hilary Jones was also anticipated amid these ongoing discussions about restructuring.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For viewers, the changes may translate into less access to popular segments and expert opinions, particularly around health topics previously covered by Dr. Hilary Jones. The reduced airtime may also limit the variety of content available in the mornings, impacting how audiences engage with the programme.

Businesses and jobs

The cuts could lead to job losses not only for stand-in hosts but potentially for other staff behind the scenes, affecting morale and productivity. There is concern within the industry about the implications of these changes for job security in broadcasting roles, especially within an already strained media landscape.

Policy and regulation

ITV’s management has indicated that these adjustments are necessary for financial viability. As the media landscape continues to evolve, these changes reflect broader trends in the industry, where budget cuts are becoming more common. The implications for policy regarding media funding and support may emerge as discussions around the value of public broadcasting gain traction.

Numbers that matter

30 weeks: The new airtime for Lorraine Kelly’s show each year.
22 weeks: Duration that Good Morning Britain will occupy the 9am slot.
0.5 hours: The reduced daily running time of Lorraine, down from one hour.
1993: Year Dr. Hilary Jones began his career with GMTV.
2010: Year Dr. Hilary joined Lorraine as health editor.

Definitions and jargon buster

ITV: Independent Television, a British television network.
Daytime programming: Television shows that air during the day, typically targeting a home audience.
Health editor: A role focused on covering health-related topics within a news programme.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers can expect to see the final weeks of the current format for Lorraine, alongside discussions about the new structure. This period will likely include more commentary from Lorraine about the changes and their implications.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new schedule takes effect, audiences will need to adjust to the changes in programming. ITV may introduce new segments or presenters to fill the gaps left by the departing staff.

Signals to watch

Changes to viewer ratings and audience engagement with the new format.
Any announcements regarding new presenters or segments on Lorraine.
Updates from ITV on future programming strategies and potential further cuts.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about upcoming changes to ITV's daytime programming.
Engage with online content related to Lorraine to express your views.
Support local and independent media as alternatives to mainstream broadcasts.

Don’t

Don’t assume the changes are final; ITV may adjust its strategy based on audience feedback.
Don’t overlook the impact these changes may have on the team behind the show.
Don’t hesitate to explore alternative daytime programming options.

Checklist

Check ITV's schedule for updates on Lorraine's new airtime.
Follow Lorraine Kelly on social media for personal insights on the changes.
Monitor audience reactions and ratings post-schedule changes.
Consider how these changes might affect your viewing habits.
Stay aware of potential new presenters or segments that may be introduced.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The changes to Lorraine Kelly's show and ITV's daytime schedule are not without risks. The long-term implications of these cuts on viewership and team morale remain uncertain. Furthermore, the potential for further cuts in the future looms large amid ongoing budget concerns within ITV. Viewers may also be disappointed by the loss of familiar faces and content, which could affect loyalty to the network.

Bottom line

The recent changes to Lorraine Kelly's show highlight the ongoing challenges facing British broadcasting amid budget constraints. For viewers, this means a shift in programming that may alter their viewing experiences. As ITV navigates these changes, audiences will be watching closely to see how the network adapts. It raises questions about the future of daytime television in the UK and the importance of supporting content that resonates with viewers.

FAQs

What changes are happening to Lorraine Kelly's show?

Lorraine Kelly's show will now air seasonally for 30 weeks a year, with Good Morning Britain taking over the traditional 9am slot for 22 weeks. The show will also be reduced to a 30-minute daily segment.

Why is Dr. Hilary Jones leaving Lorraine?

Dr. Hilary Jones is departing his role as health editor due to the restructuring at ITV. He has expressed feelings of liberation from the constraints of the news programme.

What does this mean for ITV's programming strategy?

The changes reflect ITV's need to make budget cuts while still delivering trusted journalism. This could lead to further adjustments in their programming in the future.