6 days ago
Huge Good Morning Britain star offered just six months in new deal as ITV look to slash costs and save millions
GOOD Morning Britain's Richard Madeley has landed a short-term contract to remain on the ITV breakfast show — ahead of a reshuffle.
The TV veteran is among stars in discussions with bosses, as some on the hosting rota will soon be let go in an ITV drive to slash costs to save millions.
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Sources say Richard, 69, is among several to agree to short-term deals before the restructuring in January.
He has signed a six-month deal, thought to start in September.
An insider said: 'Richard is one of the biggest names on the show but even he hasn't been offered a long-term deal.
'He's signed for six more months and will then re- consider how the show looks.
'As things stand, almost every prominent face on the show is in talks.
'Some are going to go in the reshuffle, so it will depend on who rates well with focus groups and how much money each of them is insisting on.'
The Sun on Sunday revealed in May that Richard was facing the axe — before a showdown with ITV bosses left him with a part-time deal.
It is not known if the six-month deal is for fewer hours.
Only lead presenter Susanna Reid, 54, is guaranteed a longer-term contract.
Other regular hosts include former MP Ed Balls, TV judge Robert Rinder and journalist Kate Garraway — with guests and stand-ins including consumer expert Martin Lewis.
Richard Madeley was facing GMB axe before crunch talks as another HUGE star 'is set to leave ITV' amid cuts bloodbath
Executives are said to be keen to reduce the headcount in front of the camera.
ITV has embarked on a restructuring as profits have plunged over the past year.
The brutal shake-up will halve the workforce across ITV Studios' daytime operations.
Lorraine will be cut to just 30 minutes and will air for 30 weeks a year, instead of 52.
The broadcaster's recent financial results showed profits declined by 30 per cent in the first half of this year.
