In a tough new chapter for ITV’s daytime lineup, some of the most popular shows are having to make serious sacrifices to keep going.
With budgets slashed across the board, producers are scrambling to find ways to save money — and unfortunately, that means changes viewers will definitely notice.
Loose Women to Lose Live Studio Audience to Cut Costs
One of the biggest hits is coming for Loose Women.
The show, beloved for its lively in-studio audience that adds energy and buzz, will be dropping that audience entirely next year.
Instead of the usual vibrant crowd reactions, the show will now air without live viewers in the studio.
This decision is tied directly to budget cuts — the live audience experience costs a lot to run.
An external company handles everything from security to warming up the crowd, making it an expensive part of production.
Sources close to the show say the presenters are worried this will hurt the atmosphere and energy that make the show special.
Reduced Episodes and Shrinking Daytime Schedule
The audience axing comes alongside a reduced episode count for Loose Women, with just 30 episodes planned for next year — a significant drop.
ITV has also slashed Lorraine down to a 30-minute show airing only during school terms, and even This Morning isn’t escaping cuts.
Behind the scenes, job losses are being felt, and some segments — like live outside broadcasts — are being scrapped to save money.
The whole daytime schedule is being reshaped in a way many fans and insiders say threatens the charm and identity of these shows.
Presenters Express Concern Over Impact on Show’s Vibe
The Loose Women panelists, including longtime stars Ruth Langsford, Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha, and Charlene White, have shared their disappointment about losing the live audience.
A TV insider told MailOnline that the audience sets Loose Women apart from other ITV daytime programs like Lorraine and Good Morning Britain.
The concern isn’t just about costs — the presenters worry that without the audience’s live reactions, the show might lose its unique, warm vibe and risk viewers tuning out completely.
They also remember the pandemic days when broadcasting without an audience created a noticeably low mood on set.
Nadia Sawalha Opens Up About Staff Redundancies and Uncertainty
Panelist Nadia Sawalha gave a heartfelt look into the human side of these changes.
She talked about how harsh the cuts have been and how many behind-the-scenes staff are facing sudden redundancies.
Nadia highlighted the precarious nature of their work too — everyone on the show is technically self-employed with rolling contracts, meaning no guaranteed job security.
She described the emotional impact on colleagues who have been with ITV for years, now facing an uncertain future.
Kaye Adams Reflects on the Suddenness of the Changes
Kaye Adams, another familiar face on the show, reflected on how unexpected the announcements were.
Speaking on her podcast How to be 60, she admitted that the news felt like the rug was pulled from under her feet, disrupting the rhythm of life they’d all grown used to.
She shared how the uncertainty caused sleepless nights and a lot of anxiety about what lies ahead — emotions that many of the team are currently experiencing.
Upcoming Studio Move Could Affect Production Quality
Adding to the upheaval, Loose Women, Lorraine, and This Morning will soon move from their long-time home at Television Centre to a new shared studio space.
Sources say this means less time between shows to reset sets, potentially impacting the quality and polish that viewers expect.
What’s Next for ITV’s Daytime Lineup?
As these iconic shows face shrinking budgets, fewer episodes, and big format changes, fans and staff alike are left wondering what the future holds.
While ITV hasn’t commented extensively yet, the mood behind the scenes is one of uncertainty and concern — but also hope that the shows can weather these challenges and continue to connect with viewers.