FridayOL

Veteran Scottish broadcaster Lorraine Kelly has reportedly rebuffed an offer from ITV to join Good Morning Britain (GMB) as part of a significant shake-up of the show's presenting lineup. Sources suggest Kelly felt “insulted” by the proposal, firmly stating to ITV bosses that taking on the role was “not even a possibility.”

The news comes amidst a period of intense speculation surrounding the future of GMB, which has seen fluctuating ratings and a series of presenter changes in recent years. ITV is currently undertaking a review of the show's format and talent, aiming to revitalize its appeal to viewers.

Kelly, a beloved figure in British television for decades, currently hosts her own daytime show, Lorraine, which has been a consistent success for ITV. The show is known for its lighthearted interviews with celebrities and discussions of topical issues.

According to insiders, the offer to join GMB was presented to Kelly as part of a broader strategy to inject fresh energy into the morning program. However, Kelly apparently made it clear that she was not interested in the role, citing concerns about the show’s direction and her existing commitments.

“Lorraine was quite clear with them,” a source told The Sun. “She said it simply wasn’t going to happen. She felt the offer was slightly insulting, to be honest, considering how successful her own show is.”

The potential move highlights the challenges ITV faces in attracting high-profile talent to GMB. The show has struggled to find a stable presenting lineup since Piers Morgan’s departure in 2021, and previous attempts to revamp the program have met with mixed results.

ITV has yet to officially comment on the situation, but the network is expected to announce its plans for GMB in the coming weeks. The search for new presenters is ongoing, and industry insiders suggest a number of well-known faces are being considered.

Kelly’s decision to decline the offer reinforces her position as one of ITV’s most valuable assets. Her daytime show remains a ratings winner, and her popularity with viewers is undeniable. It also signals a potential shift in ITV’s strategy, with the network seemingly prioritizing the retention of existing talent over pursuing ambitious presenter overhauls.

The situation underscores the complex dynamics within the British television industry, where established broadcasters compete fiercely for talent and ratings. As ITV navigates the future of GMB, the network will need to carefully consider its options and prioritize strategies that resonate with audiences.