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Susanna Reid has responded to online criticism of the new Good Morning Britain studio.
The news programme returned to screens on Monday after the Christmas break, but many were quick to comment on the show’s new set - which looks smaller than it previously did, following budget cuts at ITV.
Reid and Ed Balls presented the programme, and some viewers remarked that the former had to lean back from guests appearing on the show, which included Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
“New studio = big headlines! More than happy to be closer to our brilliant guests…” Reid quipped to her 860,000 followers on X, sharing a link to a MailOnline article about viewers mocking the ‘cramped’ set.
Ed Balls, Susannah Reid and Kemi Badenoch on yesterday’s programme (ITV) ITVBut many watchers shared they still didn't love the studio, as GMB has moved from the Television Centre to ITN headquarters in central London.
“I’m sorry, I don’t like the new studio, too small & far too close to each other, plus the logo on the front looks like a cheap sticker,” one viewer wrote. “The old studio is much better!”
Another added: “Not loving it, sorry. Looks too cramped and uncomfortable. And why do people have to stand up without a desk or something to lean on. Never been a fan of ‘standing news.’ Also sad to see the local journalists no longer there. Still a loyal viewer though.”
But, there was some support, as one fan added: “I’m glad the ridiculously big desk has gone. Sometimes you were talking to people so far away.”
Ed Balls and Susannah Reid returned to a new studio for the new year (X/Ed Balls) Ed Balls/XLast year, it was announced ITV were slashing the budgets of daytime shows like Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women, 220 of the 440 job losses.
It was announced Good Morning Britain would be extended by half an hour, while Lorraine Kelly’s morning talk show has been reduced to 30 minutes for 30 weeks of the year.
This Morning, hosted by Cat Deeley and Ben Shepard, remains in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays through the year, with panel show Loose Women on from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
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Other changes to the channel included making Coronation Street and Emmerdale only half-hour instalments, and Dancing On Ice being “rested”.
Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, said the changes would be “generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres”.