This Morning’s Cat Deeley appeared to make a shock confession regarding the ITV show’s competitions during Monday’s episode
A cringe-worthy moment unfolded on This Morning when Cat Deeley seemed to confess she and co-presenter Ben Shephard “cheat” whilst hosting one of the programme’s competitions.
Cat and Ben started concluding the episode’s news section and revealed details about This Morning’s Spin To Win competition, which invites viewers to ring in for a chance to participate in a game and secure cash prizes on the ITV programme.
Ben outlined all the competition’s terms and conditions, whilst Cat disclosed that viewers could bag up to £12,000, with both wishing fans the best of luck.
“Yes, good luck!” Cat exclaimed, before turning to Ben and enquiring: “Are you saying that to me? Because of the competition?”
He responded: “Well, we know what happened when we’ve done this in the past,” prompting Cat to suddenly blurt out: “We cheat a little bit!”
Gyles appeared stunned by her admission and swiftly protested: “I don’t think we do!”.
“We know, we never have, we never will. We can’t!” Ben also interjected. Beaming, Cat declared: “We will never cheat! Sometimes, people don’t pick up the phone..”
Gyles and Ashley burst into laughter whilst Ben kept attempting to silence his co-presenter, with Cat smirking directly at the camera, reports Wales Online.
“You know Ralf [Little] and Will [Mellor] have that button that they can hit when someone’s going to say something… Someone should’ve hit that!” Ben remarked to Cat, who carried on chuckling.
The competition segments on This Morning are typically hosted by Andi Peters or Jeff Brazier, with stars like Kate Lawler occasionally stepping in to announce the competitions.
Cat and Ben helm This Morning from Monday to Thursday each week, while Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary usually present the ITV show on Friday mornings.
Gyles and Ashley are frequent guests on the programme, offering their insights on the latest news and headlines.
Other regular contributors include LBC’s Nick Ferrari, Nicola Thorpe and Tom Swarbrick. The ITV programme recently invited former GMB host Piers Morgan to discuss the day’s news.
Sarah, 53, is most famous for presenting the BBC children’s programme Live and Kicking during the 90s. Viewers will also remember her from hosting Top of the Pops and MTV’s Singled Out. She additionally appeared on Loose Women and Richard and Judy.
She stepped away from television work after becoming a mother, welcoming a son in 2012 and a daughter with her husband in 2013.
Sarah joined This Morning following a social media post where she confessed to feeling “lost” and had been battling emotions of “jealousy” upon witnessing others in the entertainment world thriving, reports Wales Online.
Sarah Cawood opened up about her TV career on This Morning(Image: ITV)
Ben questioned Sarah regarding the worry and “self-doubt” she faced whilst working as a television presenter, leading her to make a heartbreaking confession.
Sarah confessed, “I had the worst imposter syndrome, but I don’t think that’s unusual. Most people that I’ve spoken to, in fact, I bet you two felt the same, ‘Should I really be here? Am I good enough to be?’
“But, I think that was amplified when all the jobs sort of fell away in the mid-noughties. I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I was just rubbish all along. ‘ It was really hard to deal with.”
She continued by disclosing that her television career “fading away” left her devastated, though she has discovered reasons to feel thankful for its conclusion.
Sarah appeared on This Morning alongside Deidre Sanders(Image: ITV)
“I always say that the fading away of my TV career was worse than any heartbreak I ever had from any boy. Telly broke my heart worse,” Sarah added.
“But, I have had time with my children, and I am super grateful for that. And, you find other stuff to do! You just find a way through. I can’t lie, though, it is nice to be here.”
Sarah revealed how she’d been overwhelmed with messages of support following her candid Instagram post, where she’d confessed to feeling “left out” whilst watching her colleagues reach fresh career heights.
She shared with Ben and Cat how countless people had reached out to say they felt exactly the same, and she’d been kept busy chatting with social media followers going through identical emotions.
Alison Hammond has expressed her ‘relief’ at This Morning’s win at the NTAs last night after Dermot O’Leary said the show has been ‘through the mill’
Alison Hammond is ‘relieved’ at This Morning’s big win (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Alison Hammond has expressed her ‘relief’ at This Morning’s big win at the National Television Awards last night. The presenter, 50, provides cover on ITV’s flagship magazine show alongside Dermot O’Leary on Fridays and phoned into the programme after the big win to tell regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard just how grateful she felt that they had emerged victorious from the public vote.
The programme, which has aired on ITV since 1989, won in the Daytime category, having fought off competition from Scam Interceptors, Loose Women and James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen. The show managed to claim the title back after two years of losing out to The Repair Shop and The Chase.
Alison said: “I’m still buzzing from last night, what a brilliant night. It was just lovely. We hadn’t had it for two years running now and what’s so incredible is when our audience vote for us, we know we’re doing okay. It was just such a relief and we’re just so grateful that everyone picked up the phone and voted for us.”
The former Big Brother star has also made a name for herself interviewing A-List celebrity guests on the programme and has chatted to superstars like Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling and once ‘married’ The Rock on the show. But just before hanging up, she teased that she was off to interview Barbie star Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell.
Over the last few years, the show has been through numerous lineup changes following the departure of long-serving hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. The duo, who began presenting together in 2009, first came under fire when they were alleged to have jumped the queue to file past Queen Elizabeth’s coffin in September 2022.
Then, Phillip, who first appeared on the programme in 2002 and initially presented alongside Fern Britton, admitted to an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a younger colleague, and subsequently stepped down from the show and ITV altogether. Holly followed suit soon after security guard Gavin Plumb was charged in connection with a scheme to abduct and kill her.
The programme, which has aired on ITV since 1989, won in the Daytime category, having fought off competition from Scam Interceptors, Loose Women and James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
He was found guilty and last year was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years behind bars.
A litany of hosts like Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle, Rochelle Humes and Andi Peters took their place over a period of weeks before Cat and Ben were given the top jobs.
But speaking in the winners room after their victory, former X Factor host Dermot, 52, acknowledged that the show had been ‘through the mill’ over the last few years, reports Manchester Evening News.
He said: “There’s a team that have worked on the show since I’ve started who have had to endure an awful lot of s**t.
The former Big Brother star admitted she was ‘still buzzing’ at the win(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
“And they have turned up to work every day with the greatest grace and professionalism and uncertainty, and they’ve never done anything but put their hearts and souls into this job.
“Two and a half hours of live telly every day is quite something, but to endure it under the spotlight of being on the front page of the news. This show holds a mirror up to Britain and it also tries to entertain.”
He also noted that the team was thrilled to win, as he added: “There’s never an arrogance about this. We’re genuinely humbled by it. It means an awful lot, especially for those people who have been through the mill.”
The main hosts for the show will return to our screens on September 1 while Alison and Dermot will be back hosting on Fridays from September 5. In the promo, Alison told Cat that she “hasn’t changed” while she added about Dermot’s sweet snap: “Ain’t he lovely?” Their childhood photos are lined up under their initials – A, B, C and D.
Ben and Cat have been on a summer break while Emma Willis, Andi Peters, Sian Welby and Rochelle Humes have been guest-hosting for the stars.
Cat and Ben are returning to This Morning soon(Image: Getty Images for Emirates)
Along with the return of the regular hosts, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, West End star Jodie Prenger and TV vet Dr Scott Miller will be judging the Pup Idol segment as they’re given the difficult task of picking a pet dog to win a role on Coronation Street.
Meanwhile, Dr Zoe Williams will help viewers reduce their biological age in a new series called Hack Your Age. On Monday morning, Rylan Clark welcomed back Josie Gibson to the show after she took some time away to film her solo series.
Explaining her absence from the show, Josie replied: “I have been really busy. I have been going all around the South West; it has been brilliant.
It comes after Cat’s split from Patrick(Image: PA)
“But do you know the last time I saw you? You were picking up a little BAFTA.”
“Oh, yes, it was,” Rylan laughed as he recalled, “I think we’d both had a little beverage that night, and I just remember strolling out and I said, ‘Jose, I’ve got to go bed’.”
“You sneaked out,” Josie chimed in as Rylan continued: “I did a sly exit.”
“Is that your first BAFTA?” Josie asked before adding, “I am so proud of you.” Cat’s return to This Morning comes after her shock split from husband Patrick Kielty.
This Morning host Cat and Irish comedian, 54, and who share sons Milo, seven, and James, five, revealed last month that they had taken the decision to end their 13 year marriage, stressing that ‘no other party’ was involved.
The former couple shared a joint statement on July 29 that read: “We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved. We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected. There will be no further comment.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
He’s been keeping his Instagram followers updated along the way, as he vowed to be “the fittest I’ve ever been” before his 50th birthday.
Before turning 50 in December, Ben attempted cold water swimming, walking 5k and braving ice baths.
He’s now continued his celebrations with a family trip to Australia.
Sharing a peek into his travels with his sons, Ben wrote: “ So this is just a little bit exciting!!!!
Ben Shephard has delighted fans with an Instagram update(Image: ITV)
“As part of my 50th year celebrations continue (have I mentioned I’ve turned 50) a proper bucket list moment, as we’ve just landed in Australia with the family – to support the British and Irish Lions across their tests!!!!
“I’m doing a bit of work but mostly doing a lot of cheering, supporting and merch acquiring…Lions Suitcases anyone.
“Can’t wait for later – thoughts on the score??? Also in Brisbane for a few days any recommends will be gratefully received!”
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Fans and friends alike rushed to share their support, with Loose Women ’s Katie Piper writing: “That’s such a great thing to do as a family.”
“So exciting,” This Morning regular Ashley James said, while Helen Skelton wrote: “What an adventure,” and Gaby Roslin said: “Have an amazing adventure.”
Ben has been taking on a series of challenges over the last few months(Image: Instagram/ @benshephardofficial)
Carol Vorderman shared her own anecdote, commenting: “Omg Ben I was filming in Brizzie and across Queensland in 1989 (it was very different then) and bumped into the Lions in a bar in Cairns Took me days to recover but what a laugh First time I ever had shots of tequila … it wasn’t a “thing” 40 years ago Bloody hell… life’s never dull Have a great great time.”
“Have fun big man there is some@great place to eat out there enjoy,” Jamie Oliver added.
Ben proved his challenges to be as fit as he could be paid off with a shoot in May showing off his six-pack.
Ben has been keeping fans updated with his 50th birthday celebrations(Image: Instagram/Ben Shephard)
Recreating his Men’s Health cover from 13 years ago, the TV presenter revealed his toned body, saying: “To get stronger, physically and mentally, is definitely harder the older you get. In my forties, I was still on the attack. In my fifties, I’m on the defensive.
“It’s all about how I prolong things now – not going out and smashing it left, right and centre.
“Proving to yourself you have the discipline to do something, proving you can be accountable to yourself is incredibly seductive and infectious. The more you get of that, the more you want it.”
The star showed off his muscles after vowing to be at his fittest at 50(Image: Getty)
Ben went on to explain that he appreciates his body now more than his 2012 photoshoot, and would “love” to recreate it again when he turns 60.
He told Men’s Health : “I think I value the condition I’m in now more than in 2012. I’ve got more lean muscle, that’s for sure.
“There are parts of my body that are bigger. I think my body fat is a little bit higher than it was then. Back then it was probably single figures and I think I’m about 10.5% to 10.8% now – which is extraordinary when you think I’m 13 years older.”
This Morning was thrown into chaos on Tuesday as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley interviewed Johnny Vegas
13:00, 08 Jul 2025Updated 13:01, 08 Jul 2025
This Morning erupted into pandemonium on Tuesday (8 July) as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley welcomed Johnny Vegas onto the popular ITV programme.
The performer and funnyman appeared alongside the presenters to chat about his fresh television series, Johnny Vegas’ Little Shop of Antiques, which was set to premiere on Quest that very day.
Johnny’s appearance swiftly turned riotous as he left Cat and Ben in fits of giggles with his wittiness and side-splitting observations.
Near the conclusion of their conversation, Johnny unveiled a peculiar plaything to the pair – Thirsty Bear, a 1950s Alps mechanical wind-up creation from Japan.
Ben and Cat welcomed Johnny Vegas to the ITV show (Image: ITV)
“Which child on Christmas morning has only been given a toy which represents my angry stepdad?” Johnny quipped. “Just the packaging alone, I know they meant well!”
Ben chimed in: “It’s so disturbing! Isn’t it?” with Johnny nodding in agreement: “Thirsty Bear. Everyone who sees this is mildly horrified, and then they fall in love with it.”
Cat suggested the bear might befriend an “angry clown”, spurring Johnny to invent an imaginary history for the peculiar plaything, which once more had the hosting pair doubled over with laughter.
As Cat and Ben tried to conclude their chat, Cat announced that Dan Hatfield would be appearing on the programme following the commercial break for an entertaining challenge, reports Wales Online.
“We’re going to try and play a game with you,” Ben informed Johnny, whilst Cat added: “Will you do it with us afterwards? Dan Hatfield’s here!”
In a bid to grab Johnny’s focus, Ben chimed in: “He’s going to be testing your ability to spot trash or treasure.”
Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were left in hysterics on This Morning (Image: ITV)
As the mayhem persisted, Ben addressed the audience at home, suggesting: “Shall we just go to the break? We’ll see you on the other side.”
Johnny’s latest telly venture sees him trading comedy for curiosities, having established Vintage Vegas at Dagfields Crafts and Antique Centre in Nantwich for the show.
“As he investigates, hunts and repairs pieces to add to his collection, he strives to make enough profit in his new shop to turn it into a permanent business.
“With taste as eclectic as his personality, there will be hilarious disasters, unusual finds and touching moments as he attempts to turn his ramshackle dream into a reality,” the synopsis reads.
Former This Morning presenter Richard Madeley made a surprise return to the ITV daytime show after 24 years
Almost 25 years since his departure, former This Morning icon Richard Madeley surprised viewers with an unexpected return to the ITV daytime staple.
The TV star, 69, originally co-hosted the show from its inception in 1988 with his wife Judy Finnigan before making their exit back in 2001.
Just before they left, the pair famously encountered Sarah Meyer. At the time she was the infant abandoned in a multi-storey car park by her mother, discovered just hours after she was born, cosily wrapped in a pink towel and white shawl.
Amidst national news coverage, Judy and Richard urgently appealed for help in finding her family, but their quest was met with frustration and dead ends.
Now aged 24, Sarah made a poignant comeback to This Morning on the Monday (June 30), sharing her determined journey to learn the mysteries of her birth story, reports Wales Online.
Now 24-year-old Sarah made an emotional return to This Morning(Image: ITV)
Appearing poised for a significant moment on ITV’s Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace, Sarah stands as the youngest individual to embark on the search for family.
This Morning host Ben Shephard warmly remarked: “It’s wonderful to have you back on our sofa after all these years after you first appeared as that tiny little baby.”
Delving into the archives, the broadcast featured a touching snapshot of Judy and Richard cradling an infant Sarah, prompting Ben to add, “Aww look at you in Judy’s arms. It’s just amazing as ever Richard looking over you.”
In an endearing twist, Ben disclosed: “We’ve actually got a little message for you Sarah. If you look over there, here is a little message for you.”
Richard Madeley made a surprise appearance on This Morning(Image: ITV)
Richard sent in a touching pre-recorded message to Sarah, which was aired on the show. The Good Morning Britain presenter began with: “Hi Sarah. Well what an end to an incredible story.”
He proceeded to say: “I believe it has been almost a quarter of a century since you were with us, just a little baby in our arms on the This Morning sofa and we were so genuinely passionate about trying to find your family for you.”
Richard then remarked: “After all these years it’s just brilliant news to hear that you have and you met your dad as well, which is a great end to an amazing story.”
He wrapped up with heartfelt felicitations: “Huge congratulations from Judy and me and what can I say except have a great rest of your life. Lots of love.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX
This Morning host Ben Shephard was forced to issue an apology at the end of the show after a remark made by a guest earlier on in the ITV programme
This Morning swiftly tackled a comment made by a guest earlier on in the show.
As the programme was drawing to a close, host Ben Shephard stated: “We just want to take a moment to apologise if viewers were offended by a phrase that we used, by one of the teams that we had on the show today.
“If anybody was, we would like to say sorry.”
The moment of contrition followed a segment where Gyles Brandreth and Sayeeda Warsi were discussing topical stories.
Sayeeda had remarked during a chat about the social role of hairdressers, reports Wales Online.
This Morning host forced to apologise as ‘offensive’ comment sparks backlash
She said: First of all, hairdressers are the place people go and offload. For a lot of people, especially older people, hairdressers are one of the few places where they still get regular company.”
“They don’t have a lot of human contact, many of them who may be living on their own. Particularly for black men or coloured men, or Asian men, I know I have doctors who say when men of certain backgrounds come in to hospital and you talk to them about how much pain they’re in, they always undersell because they’re brought up to not share their feelings and to try and be tough.”
Viewers rapidly moved to express their dismay on Twitter regarding the choice of words.
One viewer tweeted: “‘Coloured Men’, it’s 2025, this type of language!!!” While another challenged: “”Coloured men” What colour were they? #ThisMorning”
This Morning viewers were quick to comment on the remark
One viewer expressed their outrage, stating: “‘Coloured Men’ it’s not the 50s 60s 70s ffs how has she not been reprimanded.”
Another chimed in with: “#thismorning coloured men? ! How is this allowed and you’ve let her keep talking?!”.
A social media user questioned: “How is it acceptable for Sayeeda to say” coloured men”? @sayeedawarsi #thismorning.”
While another was shocked, tweeting: “Coloured men”??Did she just say that on national TV like it’s nothing?””
This isn’t the first time This Morning has faced a backlash from its viewers, as earlier in the week, many labelled one segment ‘cruel’.
People were unimpressed by the dog lookalike segment which aired on Monday morning
On Monday, Cat and Ben were joined by two dogs and their owners, who had participated in this year’s annual Greenwich dog show.
However, they competed in a new category introduced for 2025, the Best Bridgerton Lookalike.
Appearing on the ITV programme, the dogs were dressed in costumes complete with wigs while their owners discussed the competition.
Despite many viewers expressing anger at seeing the dogs in costumes on the show, the two hosts addressed the potential criticism they might face.
Cat pointed out how content the dogs seemed, while Ben added: “There will be people asking, ‘Are the dogs happy?’ because dressing dogs up can sometimes get some criticism. Are they happy wearing the outfits? She seems pretty unbothered.”
Charlotte’s owner responded: “She’s pretty used to wearing clothes in general; when we go out, I tend to dress her up and try to coordinate our outfits.”
This Morning viewers were left unimpressed on Monday’s show as they slammed a segment involving two dogs dressed in Bridgerton outfits.
Viewers of This Morning were left outraged by a segment featured in Monday’s programme.
Upon resuming their presenting roles after a week off, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley greeted two pooches on the ITV show, suitably dolled up as characters from the popular Netflix series Bridgerton.
The pair of pups had bagged accolades at the latest Greenwich dog show for their uncanny resemblance to the regency styles showcased in Best Bridgerton Lookalike category.
Lola, the winner, donned an elegant blue gown with a perched crown atop her wig—a sight to behold, with her owner making sure it stayed put.
Charlotte, the French Bulldog who nabbed second place, sported a blush pink frock coupled with a golden blonde wig, report Wales Online.
As the segment unfolded, Cat couldn’t contain her laughter over the costumes and extended her kudos, although the lighthearted atmosphere didn’t translate to the audience at home.
This Morning viewers reel ‘this is ridiculous’ as animal segment sparks fury
People on X, previously known as Twitter, promptly voiced their dismay, labelling the canine costuming as ‘cruel’.
One person criticized: “Poor dressed up dog must be so hot with all that crap on! If you want something to dress up, buy a doll! So cruel! Makes me so angry.”
Echoing the sentiment, another shared: “Sorry that dog is not happy! #thismorning.”
Additionally, a viewer suggested: “I’d suggest, if you have to hold the costume on the dog at all times, it’s probably time to stop.”
Viewers were not impressed with the segment on the show
Some animal lovers were left fuming after the segment, with one viewer tweeting: “ffs this is just ridiculous it’s animal cruelty that’s what it is…”
Another critic blasted: “This show is so twisted. Preaching one minute, the next showing this type of content. Perhaps get Dr Scott on at the same time!”
One concerned fan posted: “I hate seeing stuff like this encouraged on TV #ThisMorning” While another disgruntled viewer commented: “This is just ridiculous….. Just let you dogs be f****ng dogs and not an attempt to make you relevant.”
However, not everyone was opposed to the segment, with one amused viewer simply tweeting: “2 Victorian Dogs. Ah Ha.”
Greenwich’s annual dog show added a new category this year, Best Bridgerton Lookalike
During the chat with the owner, it emerged that Lola had attempted to remove her crown before going on air, with Cat observing: “She seems very happy! Both of them seem so happy.”
The owner agreed: “Yes, I think she’s alright now, she’s settled.”
Ben then raised the issue of animal welfare, asking: “There will be people asking, ‘Are the dogs happy?’ because dressing dogs up can sometimes get some criticism. Are they happy wearing the outfits? She seems pretty unbothered.”
Charlotte’s owner explained that her pet was accustomed to wearing clothes, saying: “She’s pretty used to wearing clothes in general; when we go out, I tend to dress her up and try to coordinate our outfits.”
This Morning continues weekdays on ITV from 12:30pm
Staff at ITV are said to be growing angrier as the row over cuts on key shows such as Loose Women and Lorraine continues, with insiders fearing a drop in standards
23:28, 22 May 2025Updated 23:50, 22 May 2025
ITV staff fury grows over 220 job cuts and ‘death of daytime’ as CEO pockets £4million salary(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
ITV staff fury is growing as the row over sweeping cuts to Loose Women and Lorraine continues to rage. Recriminations are becoming increasingly bitter over the channel’s axing of 220 jobs, with insiders insisting viewers will notice a drop in standards.
Many are blaming chief executive Carolyn McCall for the “death of daytime” and have criticised her for pocketing a massive £4million salary, including bonus, last year. There is also widespread anger that the cost-savings, which will radically change ITV ’s daytime schedule from January, were not delivered by Ms McCall to staff gathered in London’s Television Centre, on Tuesday.
A Good Morning Britain source said: “She could have walked the 400 yards to the studio to explain to folk in person.” But a channel spokeswoman said ITV Studios MD Julian Bellamy personally wanted to deliver the news: “It was really important to him that he shared this news directly in the way he felt appropriate. This is also very much in line with best practice HR given the sensitivity of the situation.”
Loose Women will feel the effect of the changes(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
They said ITV boss Kevin Lygo made the decision to shake-up the schedules. It comes as the channel was rocked by a series of other developments including:
Claims that standards across Lorraine and Loose Women in particular will go into a “death spiral” leaving viewers short-changed.
Outrage over stars on shows such as This Morning keeping their well-paid jobs while hundreds are sacked.
Fears of strikes among heavily unionised GMB studio crew and technicians.
On screen, viewers will see huge changes to the daytime schedule. Lorraine is the worst hit. It will run for 30 weeks, not 50 weeks a year, and will be slashed from an hour to 30 minutes each day.
Loose Women will stay at the same running time but will also be cut to 30 weeks. This Morning will remain the same length and frequency. Meanwhile Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes, to run from 6am to 9.30am. For the 22 weeks of the year Lorraine is not airing, it will go on until 10am.
A source said: “It’s not a case of viewers seeing less of their shows… it’s impossible to see how the high standards will remain the same. Some staff believe Loose Women and Lorraine in particular will enter a death spiral… it’s just so sad. Just a handful of people will be working on each of those two programmes which has huge ramifications for how they are going forward.”
All the shows are now going to be made under one roof. An insider asked: “If that’s the case, will Loose Women really still have a live audience…will there be the capacity for that? Everyone doubts it, not least because of the manpower needed to oversee it. Also, there is a huge amount of background work which goes into securing guests… in the new climate how does that continue with barely any staff?”
ITV sources insist that they want “minimal change” for viewers. The source said: “It’s early days and we are currently consulting but we don’t want to alienate our viewers and it’s hoped there will be minimal change on screen. Daytime is hugely important to our viewers.”
The Loose Women panel, including Coleen Nolan, GK Barry and Frankie Bridge, are also expected to see shifts dwindle, especially those who live outside London and charge for travel and hotels. Glam squads are also expected to be axed with stars expected to use in-house make-up.
An insider said: “To be honest there is very little sympathy for stars having their glam squads cut among the rank and file staff, in fact there is a lot of anger that on the whole the channel’s biggest stars are all keeping their jobs – and their exorbitant salaries – while others suffer.”
They added: “It’s no secret that stars on This Morning such as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are on huge salaries. Many believe they should offer to take cuts, or at least when their contracts are next negotiated.”
On the whole, This Morning is unaffected by the sweeping cuts. It will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays although questions remain over whether standards will be maintained.
The current Good Morning Britain team was particularly hard hit – of the 133 staff who currently make the early-bird magazine show, hosted by Susanna Reid, Richard Madeley and Ed Balls, just 38 will make the move to ITN which will now produce the show.
One source on the show said: “Lots of the studio crew and technicians will be the hardest hit with ITN taking over their roles. A lot of them are unionised and there is a fear among ITV that industrial action could be an option.”
GMB will be re-homed within ITN’s Gray’s Inn Road headquarters in Central London. Staff working on all shows are expected to “carry on as normal” until the plans are formalised.
A source said: “It’s a mutinous atmosphere to say the least and far removed from the happy, cheery image that ITV Daytime usually evokes.” The Mirror revealed this week staff on Lorraine were particularly worried their main host could quit.
Contrary to reports she was happy to see her hours cut “to spend more time with her family”, insiders say she is devastated for the team on the show being decimated. “They are a tight bunch on Lorraine and the agony is palpable,” said one.
