By Richard Guttridge

Copyright birminghammail

Kate Garraway has voiced her concerns regarding the sweeping budget cuts at ITV , which are poised to affect its soaps and daytime programming in 2026. It was previously disclosed that more than 220 staff members are facing redundancy, with major schedule restructuring planned across the broadcaster. The wide-ranging changes include Lorraine being reduced to a 30-minute slot for 30 weeks of the year, whilst Loose Women will also air for 30 instead of 52 weeks. Meanwhile Good Morning Britain will be extended and produced by ITV News at ITN. Kate, 58, has expressed her views on the financial cutbacks and whether she feels worried, particularly as she now relies on a single income following the death of her husband, Derek Draper, last year after his battle with long Covid . She told The Sun: “It’s all change across ITV daytime. All I know at the moment is that it’s happening in January. The show is getting longer and the gang on screen have been told that they want the audience to feel it’s the same viewing experience. So, for us, it feels like business as usual.” Kate added: “I had a trial run of solo income from the second Derek got sick, then after he came home I had exponential outgoings to fund his care. All I can say is, I have even more admiration for single mothers. “I’ve talked a lot with [fellow GMB presenter] Ranvir Singh, who’s always been a single mum. I don’t know how she’s done it – mentally, financially and physically – for so long.” “There’s definitely a feeling when you’re in a marriage like mine that it’s a team. Now, there’s a shift, and it’s not fun. But it happens to a lot of people and you just get on with it.” Kate expressed her optimism and explained that her children are content, but recognised the importance of navigating through challenges to avoid becoming trapped in a state of sorrow. She further added: “And there’s lots of things I’ve got that are exciting. Without wiping away everything that’s happened, the kids are happy. I do feel positive. But you have to be able to navigate it all, otherwise you get locked in a sad place.” Since the launch of Good Morning Britain in 2014, Kate has been a key part of the line-up, presenting on Thursdays and Fridays alongside co-hosts such as Richard Madeley, Ed Balls, Adil Ray, and Robert Rinder. The significant changes at ITV were initially announced in May, with Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, stating that the move will enable the broadcaster to better cater to its audiences while also supporting investment in other programming areas.” Part of his statement read: “These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output and to build upon our proud history of trusted journalism at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever. ” He further stated: “Daytime has been a core element of ITV’s schedule for over 40 years and these changes will set ITV up to continue to bring viewers award-winning news, views and discussion as we enter our eighth decade. “.