THERE are fresh fears this morning that Lorraine Kelly could QUIT her show, following the news ITV has slashed it to 30 mins and her guest presenters have been let go.
The beloved morning host, 65, who underwent surgery earlier this month, has yet to comment directly on the news.
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Yesterday it was revealed how ITV were making drastic cuts to their morning show Lorraine, and lunchtime’s Loose Women in a bid to save money.
Now, sources say that staff on Lorraine are fearing the legendary host could quit.
In a very drastic move, LK’s show will be slashed from an hour to 30minutes, and will only air for 30 weeks out of 52.
The changes mean fewer appearances from Lorraine, who has hosted her self-titled programme since 2010 and been with ITV since the 80s, and follows speculation about her future on the channel.
Her regular stand-ins, Christine Lampard and Ranvir Singh, will provide holiday cover but will not host the show on a Friday anymore.
Even though ITV boss Kevin Lygo has insisted that all presenters will remain the same across all affected programmes, a source told The Mirror: “There are genuine fears among staff that Lorraine may decide to walk if the quality of the show they are putting out declines.
“It’s hard to see how standards won’t fall….and there are questions over whether Lorraine will want to be associated with that.
“Lorraine and her team are perfectionists – it’s why the show is loved by so many.”
The source added that the move was a “kick in the teeth” for the show.
A second insider added: “This is a presenter who has just come back from having an operation, has won a BAFTA, is enjoying record ratings….and then ITV show their appreciation by yanking her off air half the year.
“Staff are beside themselves, and have been in tears constantly.
“It doesn’t make any sense given the trajectory the show is on.”
Altogether, ITV is slashing 220 jobs, as it aims for cost savings of up to £50million.
ITV confirmed in a dramatic statement that from January 2026, the show will air 9.30am to 10am, and only for 30 weeks a year.
The move comes as part of a major overhaul of ITV’s Daytime schedule, which will also see Good Morning Britain extended to 9.30am and produced by ITV News at ITN.
This Morning and Loose Women will continue but share production resources in a cost-cutting blitz.
ITV says savings made will go into dramas and major sporting events, including the next football World Cup.
BRAVE FACE
Although Lorraine is yet to comment publicly on the cuts, yesterday she put on a brave face as she relaxed in her garden in photos on Instagram.
She said in an upbeat message to fans, shortly before the announcement: “The sun is shining, I’m on the mend, and it feels so good to be getting back in the garden.”
Lorraine underwent ‘preventative’ surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
After a brief recovery period, she was back on our screens on Monday.
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