This Morning saw its regular Wednesday schedule altered on October 28, finishing 15 minutes earlier than usual to accommodate a special broadcast of the Chancellor’s Budget. Presenters Sian Welby and Dermot O’Leary informed viewers of the change, which also impacted Loose Women’s slot, according to Wales Online.
Sian Welby Joins This Morning Amid Schedule Shift
Sian Welby stepped into the presenting role alongside Dermot O’Leary this week, covering for regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, who are currently on a half-term break. On Wednesday, October 28, O’Leary announced the show would run “until 12.15pm today because of the old budget,” with Welby humorously remarking that she “used to finish a little bit earlier on a Wednesday” at school, as reported by Wales Online.
Audience reception to Welby’s appearance has been notably positive, with many viewers expressing their approval on social media platforms. Comments on X included observations that “Dermot and Siân are adorable together” and a preference for her presenting style as “far less frantic!” compared to other hosts. Similar sentiments were shared on Instagram, where one viewer described her as “Pound for Pound the best This Morning presenter” with a “lovely demeanour,” while another called her a “Breath of fresh air!”
ITV Daytime Schedule Changes for Budget Broadcast
The Chancellor’s Budget led to a significant shake-up of ITV’s daytime programming. Typically, This Morning airs from 10am until 12:30pm, followed by Loose Women. However, on Wednesday, October 28, This Morning concluded at 12:15pm, and Loose Women was removed entirely from the standard timetable. The slot from 12:15pm until 2pm was dedicated to the Chancellor’s statement, marking John Healey’s first budget since his appointment in July this year, according to the Daily Express. Regular programming for Loose Women is expected to resume at 12:30pm on Thursday, October 29.
Wider Context of ITV Daytime Programming
The recent schedule modifications occur within a broader context of changes to ITV’s daytime offerings. Loose Women is frequently adjusted for major events like sporting fixtures and now broadcasts seasonally, following cuts implemented last year. Both Loose Women and Lorraine are transmitted for only 30 weeks annually, resulting in over 100 fewer episodes. Additionally, Lorraine episodes have been reduced to 30 minutes, and Loose Women no longer features live studio audiences. Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, stated in May 2025 that these scheduling and production changes aim to deliver savings for reinvestment across the programme budget while continuing to provide viewers with news, debate, and discussion, as the Daily Express detailed.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Morning Schedule
Here are answers to common questions about the recent This Morning schedule adjustments:
- Q: Why was This Morning cut short on Wednesday?
A: This Morning finished 15 minutes early on Wednesday, October 28, to make way for an ITV News Special covering the Chancellor’s Budget. - Q: Who is presenting This Morning this week?
A: Sian Welby is co-presenting This Morning with Dermot O’Leary while regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are on a half-term break. - Q: Was Loose Women also affected?
A: Yes, Loose Women was removed from ITV’s schedule entirely on Wednesday, October 28, due to the Chancellor’s Budget broadcast.
