Copyright glasgowlive
Television favourite Lorraine Kelly has spoken candidly about the ITV shake-up as she confesses "it's been difficult". ITV is implementing significant cutbacks, which sees Lorraine's programme reduced from one hour to 30 minutes whilst also switching to a 30-week 'seasonal basis'. Nevertheless, Lorraine - who was born in Gorbals - reveals she is feeling more optimistic about the revised schedule as the alterations draw near. Chatting to Woman magazine, Lorraine explained that most of the Lorraine show crew – numerous of whom have been collaborating with her for more than 20 years – have succeeded in securing alternative roles within ITV's restructured framework and therefore she's hopeful that they won't drift apart. She said: "They might not be working with me but they will certainly be working on daytime. Even the ones that aren't staying, they're friends, so I'll still see them." The presenter acknowledged that it's a vastly different broadcasting environment today, in contrast to when the Lorraine Show was introduced in September 2010: "I knew there had to be cutbacks and there had to be changes. She added: "There are so many more outlets now, and television has to cut its cloth in every single department.." Lorraine reveals that she's "a lot happier" about the modifications now that she's had opportunity to process what they'll signify to her and the remainder of her crew. She added: "As I keep saying to everybody, this is just another change and who knows what will happen in six months?' They might want to expand it, they might not. Who knows?" Familiar faces such as fashion guru Mark Reyes and showbiz correspondent Ross King will continue to make regular appearances, Lorraine assures, and while the programme will need to be "tighter" due to its shortened duration, "it will still be the show people expect." Brushing off rumours that the show could be axed entirely, Lorraine told the Mirror: "I don't see me going anywhere until people get fed up, you know? Until people say, 'I've had enough of that one.'" With more time at her disposal, Lorraine is considering a few new projects. She's mused about doing more travel programmes in the future and has resurrected the podcast she started with her daughter back in 2021. Rosie clarified that their hiatus was due to her baby daughter, Billie. Lorraine observed that her granddaughter has now surpassed the one-year milestone, describing how quickly time has flown as 'scary'. The ITV host went on: "You were pregnant during the last series of What If? Weren't you? Now, here we are now with a wee one." The pair promised discussions "about life's turning points" with some very special guests in the future, with Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow slated for the first episode.
