Unrest at ITV daytime revealed as Good Morning Britain stars left fuming over ‘humiliating’ backstage change

A MAJOR studio move was meant to signal a happy new dawn for ITV’s daytime slate, but backstage chaos involving the location of loos has left stars kicking up a stink. Amid sweeping cuts, bosses made the decision to swap GMB’s White City home for ITN’s headquarters in Central London, while shows like This Morning and Lorraine broadcast from smaller studios in Covent Garden. Good Morning Britain is experiencing difficulties behind the scenes due to its new location Credit: ITV The ITN building is having major renovation work and the toilets are sizeable distance from the GMB studio Credit: Shutterstock However, heavily delayed renovations at Gray’s Inn Road and awkwardly located loos have been wreaking havoc during GMB ad breaks. It’s led to some embarrassing moments with presenters arriving late back on set, most recently this week when Laura Tobin admitted she’d been to the loo when quizzed by Richard Madeley. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! A source told us: “There was an episode a couple of weeks ago where Kate [Garraway] appeared halfway through a chat with Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu for this very reason. “The hosts are on air for four solid hours, with only several short chances to take comfort breaks. They’ve been really honest with viewers about being caught nipping to the loo in the ad breaks, but due to the ongoing building work it makes it tricky to dash to the far-away bathrooms and get back quickly. The show was previously based in White City studios Credit: Alamy Lorraine Kelly was the only ITV star with a private toilet Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Kate Garraway was late back to the studio after a dash to the loo Credit: Rex “They laugh it off but it’s awkward to have to explain to the nation every time it happens. The presenters have been good sports but it’s starting to get a bit much.” The source continued: “At Television Centre the loos were literally across the corridor from the studio. Now they’re a couple of minutes walk away and ad breaks aren’t long enough for that. “The main issue is ITN are still overhauling the entire building and the building works are now about to go into their ninth month of being behind schedule. “Everything GMB related was meant to be done in Jan, and ongoing work in the basement is still causing disruptions.” Most read in Showbiz While there is a loo closer to the studio, it has been temporarily out of order, though it is back in action now. A GMB Spokesperson said: “After a short interruption to their usual flow, our studio toilets are working again, so this story can go down the drain.” Earlier this year we revealed Lorraine Kelly, whose show has been reduced to just 30 minutes and is now based in Covent Garden, was the one lucky presenter in that building to have a private loo, with other stars had to make do with the communal lavs. Recently bosses allocated a luxury loo for celeb talent, complete with VIP passes, to try and make things more comfortable for guests. The posh new lavatories have fragrant essential oil reed diffusers, candles and fresh flowers — but they are not intended for crew members. Meanwhile, noise levels at the ITN offices in Farringdon have also been causing issues as workmen set about transforming the building. Some of the proposed perks of the update such as the rooftop terrace and yoga studio are still to be completed. A source said: “ITN staff were told the rest of the building — elaborate lobby area, new staircase, fountains, yoga studio on the roof — was meant to be done months ago and it’s still nowhere near finished.” To make matters worse, awkward questions have been asked after the recent news that Sky has agreed a deal to acquire ITV’s broadcast media and entertainment business in a bumper £1.6bn move. Last year more than 220 staff were axed by the broadcaster, now, with the promise of greater investment, many are asking why. If greenlit by Ofcom, Sky has promised there will be more free-to-air content than ever across ITV. Despite all of this, Good Morning Britain is still proving popular with viewers and finds itself in the running for a National Television Award in the 2026 Daytime category. Susanna Reid even made a cameo appearance from her Ibiza holiday in the week to encourage viewers to vote. The Sun has contacted a rep for GMB for comment. Comment now