ITV deny reports daytime stars are 'fearing cuts as ratings continue to plunge'
ITV has denied talk that some of its biggest stars are concerned for their jobs amid falling ratings.
The broadcaster has seen a decline in viewing figures and recently announced that 200 jobs are to be cut in a bid to save £50million per year.
Good Morning Britain is expected to undergo a revamp in a bid to claw back its audience, while discussions are said to be being had at This Morning with viewing figures plummeting by half” after Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard took over from Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield in May.
Meanwhile, Loose Women, with its rotating panel talent, are said to be in the firing line too.
They went on to add that the contracts for on-screen staff are often reviewed in August or September with several members of the on-screen talent being warned of cuts.
"A few of the Loose Women panel are worried too, as so many new faces have been brought in and some have worked better than others," a source told The Sun.
The insider went on to say that the likes of This Morning's Dermot O'Leary and Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray are on year-long contracts so are "theoretically most likely to be in the firing line."
They added: "Dermot polls really well with viewers and absolutely no one wants him to go anywhere, so he'll be safe. A few of the Loose Women panel are worried too, as so many new faces have been brought in and some have worked better than others." The source went on to describe Good Morning Britain, ITV's flagship news programme as "pretty frenetic".
A spokesperson for ITV insists panic stations arounds its daytime viewing schedule simply "isn't true.”
“ITV's Daytime shows have never had a better connection with viewers reaching 7.5 million weekly,” they insisted.
“They are amongst the most popular on ITVX and reach millions more across digital platforms. Furthermore, we are very proud of our teams, both on and off screen, who produce seven and half hours of brilliant live content every weekday."
The Standard has contacted a representative for ITV for further comment.
