After a tumultuous few months of ITV’s budget cuts, two of the network’s most popular daytime shows, Lorraine and Loose Women, are set to return to screens in late April and early May. The hiatus came as a result of cost-saving measures that saw both programs pulled from airwaves and their scheduling slashed to just 30 weeks per year.
Loose Women is set to make its return on Monday, April 27, with Christine Lampard leading the panel, featuring regulars like Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore, and Nadia Sawalha. The show had been off the air since March, leaving fans clamoring for its comeback as ITV temporarily filled its time slot with re-runs of game shows and ITV news.
Meanwhile, Lorraine will be back on air from May 4, with host Lorraine Kelly resuming her daily role after what has been described as a “flat and at a loss” period. ITV’s drastic budget cuts saw Lorraine’s show reduced to 30-minute episodes, with several of her colleagues let go in the process. Lorraine, who had shared hosting duties with Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard in the past, now takes on the responsibility of hosting all five shows a week.
Sources have reported that Lorraine, who is used to being busy in front of the camera, has found the extra time off difficult to adjust to. Despite loving the opportunity to spend more time with her one-year-old granddaughter, Billie, and her family, the sudden shift from her fast-paced career has left her feeling unsettled. She has reportedly been struggling with the loss of her work family, as she had worked closely with her former colleagues for many years.
The return dates for Loose Women and fellow ITV daytime show Lorraine have finally been confirmed
Popular presenter Lorraine Kelly was said to be feeling ‘flat and at a loss’ following cuts to her ITV show
“She’s really missing the team dynamic. They were like a second family to her,” a source revealed. “It’s been hard for Lorraine to adapt to the new situation, and she’s been trying to stay positive while keeping herself busy.”
Loose Women also faced cuts, including the loss of its live studio audience as ITV transitioned to a smaller studio in Covent Garden. This, combined with the loss of resources and backstage staff, has created a sense of chaos behind the scenes, with staff reportedly feeling cramped and stretched thin.
Meanwhile, on Good Morning Britain, hosts have noticed the impact of these budget cuts as well. The show’s crew, including hair and makeup artists, have been stretched thin as they now have to share their resources with ITV News. Sources revealed that backstage, tensions have risen as multiple shows cram into the same limited space.
In addition to the shake-up in show formats, Lorraine Kelly made a subtle change on her social media, removing direct references to her show from her Instagram bio. Instead, it now reads, “Granny to Billie. Mum to Rosie. On TV in the morning. Dundee United supporter,” giving fans a glimpse into her personal life beyond the screen.
Despite the cuts, Lorraine remains committed to her career. “She’s always been ambitious and is determined to stay fulfilled in her work,” a close source shared.
The return of Lorraine and Loose Women will be a welcome relief for ITV fans, offering the chance to see the return of their favorite faces on daytime TV. However, behind the scenes, the production chaos and budget cuts reveal a broader shift in the landscape of British daytime television, leaving fans wondering what the future holds for these beloved programs.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest ITV schedule changes!
