ITV This Morning Fans React as Show Ends Early for Budget Broadcast
This Morning fans were taken by surprise on Wednesday when the popular show ended abruptly at 12:15 p.m., cutting 15 minutes from its usual runtime. Host Dermot O’Leary broke the news during the broadcast, announcing, “That’s it from us, finishing a little bit earlier today for an ITV news special.”
The sudden change came following an announcement on Loose Women the previous day by Ruth Langsford. The host informed viewers that Loose Women, which normally airs weekdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., would also be off the air to make room for a special broadcast. Ruth, pausing her conversation with the show’s guests, stated, “I’ve got to stop you there,” before expressing her thanks to viewers and guests. She added, “We are running out of time massively. Thank you so much. That is it for today; we are not here tomorrow. It is the Budget, how lovely.”
The broadcasting schedule was altered to accommodate a live airing of The Chancellor’s Budget 2024, featuring Labour’s Rachel Reeves delivering the party’s first Budget in 14 years. Reeves has indicated it will involve “difficult decisions,” including changes to taxes and spending on health, schools, and public services. Opposition leader Rishi Sunak is also set to give a response to Reeves’s statement, ensuring viewers a high-stakes exchange.
Fans of This Morning were quick to take to Twitter, now X, to share their reactions to the unexpected schedule shift. One viewer expressed frustration, posting, “Wait where did #thismorning go… The Budget doesn’t need to be on every channel.” Another chimed in with, “#ThisMorning ending 15 minutes early because of the Chancellor Budget,” while others simply said goodbye with a “#ThisMorning bye” accompanied by a waving emoji.
Despite the shortened episode, hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond managed to pack in a series of interviews with well-known guests. The lineup included Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks, actress Anna Maxwell Martin, and Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle, who joined for a lively cooking segment.
For fans wondering about the return of their favourite shows, Loose Women will resume its usual schedule on Thursday at 12:30 p.m., featuring Strictly stars Johannes and Montell as guests. This Morning will also return to its regular broadcast time on Thursday, running until 12:30 p.m. as expected.
With political drama replacing daytime entertainment, Wednesday’s scheduling change was a reminder of how unexpected twists can leave even the most loyal viewers waiting for more.