Revamp for This Morning

Struggling broadcaster ITV is planning to revamp its daytime magazine series This Morning when it introduces a new co-host later this year.

Reports in several newspapers today claim that ITV are planning to axe several “experts” from its magazine show This Morning as it attempts to cut costs. While ITV has denied this the struggling broadcaster has confirmed it is planning to revamp the series later this year. The planned revamp will take place at the same time as the introduction of a new co-host for the series after Fern Britton steps down from the role in July.

Earlier this year Britton announced her departure from the magazine series when her contract runs out, in July. Speculation in the media suggested the presenter had stepped down from the role because of a dispute with co-presenter Phillip Schofield over the size of his pay cheque – which is considerably greater than hers. However, both Schofield and Britton has denied this the reason and also denied reports that they had fallen out.

Since Britton’s announced departure the tabloids have been full of speculation over the identity of her replacement. Early favourites for the tabloids included Mel Sykes, Gaby Roslin and Myleene Klass while The One Show’s Christine Bleakley announced earlier this week she had turned down an offer from ITV to defect to This Morning.

Any revamp for This Morning will likely involve costs being cut as ITV attempts to drive down the costs of its programming having already cut budgets for other daytime shows and axing several ailing drama shows.