ITV was forced to make last-minute changes to its daytime television schedule after a power outage at its Covent Garden studio disrupted live broadcasts on Wednesday.
The technical problem affected three of the broadcaster’s popular programmes, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women, leaving viewers without their usual morning and lunchtime shows.
In a statement posted online, ITV confirmed that the disruption followed an overnight power cut in the wider area surrounding its Covent Garden studio.
The broadcaster said: “Following a power cut overnight in the wider area where our Covent Garden studio is based, we are unable to broadcast Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women live today.
We will return to our normal schedule as soon as possible.”
Good Morning Britain Extends Broadcast to Cover Lorraine’s Slot
Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls informed viewers about the disruption during Wednesday’s broadcast, explaining that Lorraine would not be shown as planned.
The programme was extended by 30 minutes, allowing it to occupy the timeslot normally reserved for Lorraine Kelly’s show, which airs between 9.30am and 10am.
However, the situation also affected other parts of ITV’s daytime schedule, with This Morning and Loose Women subsequently removed from their usual broadcast slots.
Lorraine Kelly Confirms Show Cancellation on Instagram
Lorraine Kelly, 66, also addressed the situation in a video shared on Instagram while travelling to work.
The presenter explained that a power outage at the studio had prevented her programme from going ahead, although she initially expected This Morning to return later in the day.
She told followers: “Hello there, I’m on my way to work but there’s been a little bit of a hoo-ha, there’s a power outage at the studio, so my show won’t be on today.”
Lorraine added that viewers could continue watching Good Morning Britain and suggested that engineers expected to resolve the problem at around 11am.
She also revealed that she had been looking forward to interviewing Sharleen Spiteri from the band Texas but would have to rearrange the appearance.
Concluding her message, Lorraine assured viewers that she expected to return the following day.
She accompanied the video with the caption: “These things happen. Can’t be helped. See you tomorrow.”
This Morning Replaced With Highlights From Previous Episodes
Good Morning Britain remained on air until 10am, before ITV switched to a collection of highlights from previous episodes of This Morning.
Ed Balls acknowledged the unusual change while presenting alongside Susanna Reid, telling viewers that the programme would normally be handing over to This Morning at that point.
He said: “We’d normally be finding out from This Morning about their show, but unfortunately there’s no show.”
Although This Morning was initially expected to start later than usual, ITV ultimately replaced its live broadcast with memorable moments from previous episodes.
The programme’s presenters, Cat and Ben, were also shown in the studio during the recorded footage, with an on-screen notice confirming that the broadcast was pre-recorded.
Loose Women was similarly removed from Wednesday’s schedule.
Good Morning Britain Experiences Additional Technical Problems
The power-related disruption was accompanied by further technical difficulties during Good Morning Britain.
At one point, the programme went to an advertising break but viewers were shown the ITV logo across their screens instead of the usual commercials.
Susanna Reid later apologised to viewers who had experienced problems during the broadcast.
She said: “We do have to say sorry to some of our viewers who have been affected by technical issues during our ad break. Frankly, who knows what might happen between now and 10! It’s a kind of rollercoaster, isn’t it?”
The programme also unexpectedly cut to an advertising break while Susanna was speaking live, adding to the interruptions experienced by viewers.
ITV Viewers React to Disrupted Daytime Schedule
The unexpected changes prompted reactions from viewers on X, with several expressing frustration and confusion about the broadcaster’s programming.
One viewer wrote: “ITV are having a mare This Morning.”
Another commented: “ITV all over the place today – no Lorraine cutting Good Morning Britain off.”
Other reactions included: “ITV off air at the moment all sorts going on” and “So Lorraine is off air because of a power cut. GMB hosts said they’d be extending til 10am but now it seems ITV is completely off air.”
Another viewer wrote: “Ohhh, no This Morning today. Power cut in the Lorraine, Loose Women studios #GMB.”
ITV’s explanation about the three affected programmes was also shared by viewers discussing the disruption.
ITV Announces Changes to Daytime Television Schedule
The disruption comes amid previously announced changes to ITV’s daytime programming.
Under the broadcaster’s revised arrangements, Lorraine’s daily programme is being shortened from one hour to 30 minutes. From 2026, the show will also run for only 30 weeks each year.
Loose Women is also set to broadcast for 30 weeks annually under the changes.
During periods when Lorraine is not scheduled, Good Morning Britain will receive an additional 30 minutes of airtime, extending its broadcast from 6am until 10am.
