Good Morning Britain star facing axe as ITV continues to make brutal cuts

Daily Record

2 days ago

A Good Morning Britain presenter has reportedly been axed as part of ITV's ongoing restructuring plans, which has seen an extra £15 million of savings sought.
A Good Morning Britain presenter has reportedly been dropped as part of widespread job cuts across ITV. US correspondent Noel Phillips will no longer feature on the breakfast show as ITV seeks to slash a further £15 million from its overall spending.
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Back in May, ITV revealed its intention to axe the roles of roughly half of the 450 staff members working on programmes including Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women.
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Whilst the consultation regarding Phillips' position continues, he is amongst those anticipated to depart. The broadcaster has featured on Good Morning Britain since February 2021 following his exit from Sky News, reports the Express.
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His exit has triggered internal worries about the programme's diversity, reports Deadline.
Insiders allegedly expressed anxiety about the prospects of Sean Fletcher and Marverine Cole, though ITV has assured they will stay with the show.
The Royal Television Society award-winning reporter has been key to the programme's reporting on racial tensions in America and Britain.
Phillips disclosed he fell victim to a racist attack in Central London, where he was "mugged, racially assaulted and spat on".
Whilst covering the demonstrations following the deadly shooting of Daunte Wright, Phillips broadcast from Minneapolis where he came under gunfire.
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Only last month, Phillips was struck by rubber bullets whilst reporting on the unrest in Los Angeles. A source revealed GMB staff members were "p****d off" about Phillips' departure, whilst another suggested there is "less pressure [on ITV] to be seen to be doing the right thing" regarding diversity matters.
An ITV spokesperson told Deadline: "In 2026, Good Morning Britain will continue to have the familiar line-up of presenters that we know viewers love. ITV is fully committed to our diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy, and the representation on our shows will remain a priority."
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The network revealed there would be sweeping alterations to their daytime television programming from 2026.
Come the new year, Lorraine Kelly will see her hour-long programme reduced. Her eponymous show will now broadcast from 9.30am to 10am and will only be transmitted for 30 weeks annually.
Throughout the 22 weeks Lorraine is absent from screens, Good Morning Britain will stretch its transmission until 10am, gaining an additional hour in its programming.
Within the overhaul, GMB will see its existing 6am to 9am time slot permanently lengthened until 9.30am. Production will also transfer from ITV Studios to ITN following a fresh five-year contract.
Whilst This Morning will continue broadcasting from 10.30am to 12.30pm, Loose Women faces cutbacks. The midday discussion programme will now transmit seasonally for merely 30 weeks per year.