Lorraine Kelly is reportedly set to bid farewell to ITV when her contract concludes next year, according to an insider.
The 65 year old presenter was left seething earlier this year when ITV announced that her programme would only air for 30 weeks in 2026, a significant reduction from the usual 52. From January, her show will also be shortened, running from 9.30am until 10am, changes which Lorraine voiced her displeasure about back in May.
However, it now seems that the Scottish host has made up her mind to depart from the channel once her contract expires next year. A consultation period is currently in progress to determine who will bear the brunt of ITV’s harsh financial cuts.
Although Lorraine’s position appears secure, she is believed to be prepared to hang up her presenting hat after helming her namesake show for 15 years.
This shake-up could potentially impact Lorraine’s popular stand-ins Christine Lampard and Ranvir Singh, as their hosting stints on the show may be reduced, reports the Mirror.
An insider revealed to Mail Online: “Lorraine sees it as the end. She’s got a year left on her contract which she will honour, but beyond that there are no plans for her to stay. She will be leaving.
“Of course, she will be fine, she has loads of money. But some of the people who work for her have done so for many years and have put up with her demands for a long, long time. Yet they will struggle to ever get another job in the television industry.”
Lorraine, who hails from Glasgow, marked her 40th year in television last year with a special edition of the morning show, which follows Good Morning Britain in ITV’s schedule.
Production staff on these programmes, alongside additional ITV daytime content, are believed to be massively affected by the alterations.
One worker described the situation as “horrendous,” alleging that “the little people” at the west London-based network were bearing the brunt.
They told Mail Online: “All the big names are staying while the little people get the boot. It is horrendous. You’d think if you wanted to save a big lump of cash you could get rid of some of the presenters. There are loads of them!”.
However, amongst those presenters keeping their roles is Richard Madeley, it is understood.
The seasoned broadcaster will continue to host Good Morning Britain for at least another six months after signing a fresh, short-term deal recently.
Madeley, who originates from Romford, east London, regularly presents Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid, whose role is also reported to be secure.
