UPDATE: ITV’s daytime programming is facing a significant overhaul, but the Loose Women panel will remain intact. This urgent announcement comes as ITV prepares for sweeping changes set to take effect in early 2024.
Effective next year, Good Morning Britain will extend its broadcast by 30 minutes, now airing from 6 AM to 9:30 AM. As a result, Lorraine Kelly’s show will be slashed to just 30 minutes, running from 9:30 AM to 10 AM. This change aligns with Loose Women, which will also reduce its schedule to 30 weeks annually, airing weekdays at 12:30 PM.
Despite concerns over potential shifts in the Loose Women presenting team, ITV has confirmed that the lineup will stay the same. An ITV representative told The Sun, “We always said we valued the Loose Women and that we wouldn’t be changing the panel, so viewers can look forward to seeing the familiar lineup in the New Year.”
An insider disclosed the tension surrounding the changes, stating, “It’s been a tense time since the changes were announced in May, and everyone has felt on edge.” They expressed relief that the panel will remain, despite potential reductions in shifts due to job cuts across the daytime teams.
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, acknowledged the impact on staff, stating, “I recognize that our plans will have an impact on staff off screen in our Daytime production teams. We will work with ITV Studios and ITN as they manage these changes to produce the shows differently from next year.”
The restructuring aims to modernize ITV’s offerings while retaining its legacy of delivering award-winning news and discussions. Lygo emphasized, “Daytime has been a core element of ITV’s schedule for over 40 years, and these changes will set ITV up to continue to bring viewers award-winning news, views, and discussion as we enter our eighth decade.”
As viewers gear up for these changes, they can continue to catch Loose Women at its regular time. With the panel staying the same, fans can expect their favorite hosts to deliver the show’s signature blend of discussion and entertainment, albeit on a reduced schedule.
Stay tuned for more updates on ITV’s daytime programming as the situation develops.
