This Morning cut short and Loose Women pulled off air in TV schedule shake up
ITV’s popular show Loose Women has been pulled off air today, while This Morning found itself cut short. The channel has had to overhaul its programming today due to the Budget announcement. This Morning normally runs through until 12.30pm but finished 15 minutes earlier at 12.15pm. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have been fronting This Morning all week, with Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard off for half term.
As This Morning ended early, Dermot said: "That's it from us, finishing a little bit earlier today for an ITV news special." Unfortunately for fans of Loose Women, which normally launches its hour of chat and current issues at 12.30pm, the show is cancelled altogether.
At the end of Tuesday's show, Ruth Langsford said: "I've got to stop you there. 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."
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She added: "But we will be back with you on Thursday at 12.30pm with Strictly's Johannes and Montell."
ITV's adjustment comes with the budget announcement set to air from 12:15pm to 2:30pm.
While specific details of the budget remain under wraps, the announcement will outline key fiscal policies and spending plans. These have far-reaching implications for the economy and public services, as well as for the general public.
This is not the first time Loose Women and This Morning have faced disruptions due to significant national events. Sporting events such as UEFA European Championship can see the shows pushed off air, as well as major news events or political developments, including election coverage.
During last year's elections, both shows were axed to provide viewers with all the latest updates.
Normal programming will tomorrow, with a full-length This Morning and Loose Women returning to its regular slot.
The Budget is one of the most important days in the political calendar, especially this year as it is Labour’s first since coming to power earlier this year. It will also be the party’s first for after 14 years of Tory rule in the UK.
It's also notable because in 2024, Rachel Reeves became the first ever female chancellor. It's a job that's been around over eight centuries, with this the first time a woman has ever announced the UK Budget.
She will stand in the Houses of Parliament and deliver a speech setting out Labour's plans for the economy. Immediately afterwards, however, the leader of the opposition, Rishi Sunak will give the Conservative party's response to the plans in what looks set to be a fiery exchange.
One of the things expected in the budget is a hike in fuel duty. Motorists are being urged to ensure they declutter their cars to maximise fuel efficiency and offset some of the expected cost rises they are now facing.