ITV’s Daytime Chaos: Richard Madeley Negotiates Part-Time Role After ‘Axing’ Threat – Lorraine Kelly Refuses to Retire Amid Major Cuts
ITV is in turmoil following a massive budget overhaul that has left some of its most beloved daytime hosts facing uncertain futures. Richard Madeley, 69, a cornerstone of Good Morning Britain, reportedly faced being cut from the show as the network undertakes a sweeping restructuring of its daytime programming. With a reported £300K salary, Madeley was said to be furious when rumors circulated that he would be let go, but in a twist, he managed to strike a deal for a part-time role, significantly slashing both his hours and pay.
In an even more shocking turn, Lorraine Kelly, 65, the stalwart host of Lorraine, has also been at the centre of ITV’s budget cuts. Sources suggest she was ‘asked to retire’ but, after 40 years of breakfast TV glory, she turned down the offer, opting instead to stay on for the remainder of her £500K contract before stepping down for good at the end of next year.
A source close to the situation revealed the startling impact this has had on the ITV corridors, saying, “Richard Madeley is a massive name, a legend of daytime telly. When news broke that he’d been axed, it sent shockwaves through the network. But by Friday, Richard had negotiated a deal to stay on in a reduced capacity.”
In addition, Lorraine has faced significant programming cuts, now slashed to just 30 minutes per day, with the show airing only 30 weeks a year. During the remaining 30 weeks, Kelly will host five days a week, but her Friday stand-ins—Christine Lampard and Ranvir Singh—are no longer needed. ITV’s decision to cut back on daytime content is part of a broader cost-saving strategy aimed at freeing up funds for a major push into drama programming.
Lorraine Kelly’s Bold Stance
Despite being asked to retire, Lorraine Kelly’s choice to remain on-air has added a layer of drama to the ongoing changes at ITV. A source mentioned, “Lorraine’s 40-year career is legendary, and being asked to retire was a tough moment for her, but she has decided to stay until the end of her contract.”
Alongside Lorraine, Loose Women will also be axed for half of the year, leaving many wondering about the future of ITV Daytime. Over 220 jobs are expected to be lost as part of these cuts.
The restructuring also marks a significant shift in Good Morning Britain’s production, with ITV announcing that the show will no longer be made by ITV Studios but by ITN, the broadcaster’s news division. This merger could mean fewer people working on GMB but a stronger alignment with the network’s news operations.
The Future of ITV Daytime: A New Era of Cuts and Changes
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, explained that while these changes are driven by cost-saving measures, the network still remains committed to its daytime audience. “Daytime has been central to ITV for 40 years,” Lygo said. “These changes are about ensuring ITV can continue to bring viewers the best content, while also investing in high-profile dramas and major sports events.”
For now, This Morning, hosted by Alison Hammond, Ben Shepherd, and Cat Deeley, remains untouched. However, for the rest of ITV’s daytime lineup, changes are already being felt, and more transformations are expected in the coming year.
Stay tuned as ITV undergoes a major shakeup and what that means for its stars.
Source: Daily Mail
