LORRAINE FACES ITV AXE?

ITV Daytime Faces Uncertainty as Lorraine Kelly and Loose Women Cuts Spark Worry

ITV confirms Lorraine Kelly and Loose Women will be reduced from 52 to 30 weeks on air this year as part of a company-wide cost-cutting schedule change.

Key Points

  • ITV reduces Lorraine Kelly and Loose Women from 52 to 30 weeks this year for cost-saving measures.
  • Presenters and crew fear long-term job and income losses after 220 daytime roles were cut.
  • ITV says programmes will remain seasonal, despite mixed viewer reactions and uncertainty over permanence.
By Amanda Punch, London
PublishedApril 20, 2026 12:42 AM
UpdatedApril 20, 2026 12:42 AM

FEARS are mounting among ITV stars as bosses face pressure over the future of daytime favourites Lorraine Kelly and Loose Women.

Both shows have been slashed from 52 to 30 weeks on air this year as part of tough cost-cutting measures.

“There are fears over the break becoming permanent,” a source told The Sun newspaper.

Although there was a huge reaction to the cuts internally, viewers have adapted to the change really well.

“It’s been smooth-sailing and obviously cost-effective.”

This has left stars worried about their long-term prospects.

“A lot of famous faces rely on those shows for regular income and have done for decades,” the source added.

Lorraine Kelly’s show is set to return on May 4, while Loose Women will be back from its spring break on April 27.

ITV insists both programmes will continue to air seasonally with no plans to change this.

A spokesperson said, “We are incredibly proud of both programmes at ITV and all they continue to achieve – the BAFTA-nominated Lorraine and the RTS award-winning Loose Women.

“They are a much loved part of our ITV Daytime family.”

But not all viewers share the same affection.

Some have taken to social media to express relief at the break, with comments like “Get rid of Loose Women and Lorraine, it’s too dated” and “Lorraine and Loose Women are non programmes and just fillers.”

The changes follow a broader shake-up at ITV, which has seen 220 daytime TV jobs cut.

Kelly herself admitted, “I was disappointed, of course I was. This is the world that we live in now.”

She’s also adjusting to a new production setup after many of her dedicated team lost their jobs.

With fewer weeks on air and a leaner production team, the future of these daytime staples remains uncertain, leaving stars and fans alike watching closely.

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