It’s the end of an era for morning television. Beloved TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones has announced that he’s leaving ITV’s Lorraine after 36 years on air — a decision that comes amid major shake-ups and job cuts across the network.

The 72-year-old GP, who’s been a familiar face for generations of viewers, shared that his final regular appearance will air on New Year’s Eve.

But don’t worry — he’s not disappearing for good. Dr Hilary says he’ll still pop up for guest appearances from time to time.

From TV-am to Lorraine: A Legacy Built on Morning Medicine

Dr Hilary’s television journey started back in 1989 when he first appeared as the resident GP on TV-am.

Just a few years later, in 1993, he became a staple on GMTV, offering health advice to millions of viewers.

When GMTV evolved into Daybreak and later Lorraine, Dr Hilary stayed put — becoming not just a medical expert but part of the show’s very identity.

Fans have come to rely on his calm voice, warm demeanor, and trusted health guidance.

ITV Shake-Up Forces Big Changes

Unfortunately, ITV’s sweeping cost-cutting measures, first announced in May, have hit its daytime lineup hard — and Lorraine has been one of the biggest casualties.

The show’s airtime has been slashed in half, now running just 30 minutes a day for 30 weeks of the year.

Speaking to The Sun, Dr Hilary admitted that many people within ITV have been “very sensitive” about the restructuring.

“A lot of people are being redeployed elsewhere or in the same role,” he explained. “ITV, like everyone else, are having to make changes.”

An ITV spokesperson later confirmed to the Daily Mail that Dr Hilary “remains a valued part of the team,” reassuring fans that this isn’t necessarily goodbye forever.

Lorraine Kelly Faces Her Own Tough Cuts

Dr Hilary’s departure comes just days after Lorraine Kelly broke her silence on ITV’s “heartbreaking” decision to downsize her flagship show.

The Scottish presenter, who has fronted Lorraine since its launch in 2010, made it clear that she has no plans to quit — no matter how tough things get.

Good Morning Britain will now take over the 9-10am slot for 22 weeks of the year, while Lorraine will air for the remaining 30 weeks, five days a week.

That means long-time Friday stand-ins Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard are no longer needed — another painful result of the cuts.

“It’s Been Hard, But It’s About the Team,” Says Lorraine

Speaking to The Mirror, Lorraine confessed that she had an “inkling” the changes were coming but admitted she was “angry” — not for herself, but for her team. “It’s been difficult with the cuts, it’s been hard,” she said.

“I’m a lot happier about it now, but it was honestly and genuinely all about the team.”

Out of ITV’s estimated 450 daytime staff, up to 220 jobs were said to be at risk.

Lorraine explained that her biggest concern was saving as many of those jobs as possible.

“I wasn’t annoyed or angry about this for me… it was about the team,” she insisted.

While some staff have since been reassigned to other programs, Lorraine admitted it was “heartbreaking” to say goodbye to colleagues she’s worked with for more than two decades.

“I’m Not Going Anywhere,” Lorraine Promises

Despite the rumors swirling about her possible exit, Lorraine made one thing crystal clear — she’s not leaving anytime soon.

“Absolutely not,” she told The Mirror.

“I am going to be toddling off that show in my Zimmer frame and even then, I’ll be coming in.”

The 65-year-old presenter said she takes inspiration from trailblazing women like Loose Women stars Janet Street-Porter and Gloria Hunniford, who are still thriving in their seventies and eighties.

“I don’t see me going anywhere until people get fed up, you know? Until people say, I’ve had enough of that one,” she joked.

What’s Next for Morning TV?

As ITV’s daytime schedule enters a new era, both Dr Hilary and Lorraine are facing the changes with resilience.

He’s stepping back to explore new projects as a “free agent,” while she’s determined to keep the Lorraine spirit alive — even if the show is shorter and leaner than before.

For viewers, it marks the end of a comforting television chapter — but perhaps the beginning of another.

After all, as Dr Hilary hinted, we haven’t seen the last of him just yet.