GMB presenters have reportedly faced an awkward backstage problem since the ITV breakfast show moved from White City to ITN’s central London headquarters.
The Sun claims ongoing renovation work and the location of the toilets have made comfort breaks difficult during the live programme. The issue recently spilled on air when Laura Tobin admitted she had visited the loo after Richard Madeley questioned her absence.
An unnamed source told The Sun that the presenters had tried to laugh off the mishaps. However, the insider claimed it’s “getting a bit much” now for the stars.
ITV’s GMB presenters face race back to the studio
Good Morning Britain runs for four hours, leaving its presenters with only a handful of short breaks away from the cameras.
According to the source, the toilets at the show’s former Television Centre base sat directly across the corridor from the studio. The facilities at the ITN building now reportedly require a couple of minutes’ walk. That creates a tight turnaround during an advert break.
The report also highlighted a recent moment involving Kate Garraway. She returned to the studio part-way through a conversation with Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu after taking a comfort break.
“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 said.
A toilet closer to the studio had temporarily stopped working, The Sun reported, although it has since reopened.
A Good Morning Britain spokesperson responded with a light-hearted statement. They said: “After a short interruption to their usual flow, our studio toilets are working again, so this story can go down the drain.”
Renovation delays reportedly disrupt Good Morning Britain
Building work at ITN’s Gray’s Inn Road headquarters has allegedly added to the difficulties. The source claimed the project was heading into its ninth month of delays, despite work connected to GMB originally having a January completion target.
Construction in the basement has reportedly continued to cause disruption. Staff have also faced noise while work crews overhaul other areas of the building.
“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.”
The report claims planned features, including a rooftop yoga studio, remain unfinished. ITN staff were reportedly told that the wider renovation, including a new staircase and lobby area, should have finished months earlier.
Meanwhile, This Morning and Lorraine now come from smaller studios in Covent Garden. It was previously claimed Lorraine Kelly has access to a private toilet there, while other presenters use communal facilities. Bosses have also reportedly allocated a separate luxury toilet for celebrity guests, complete with VIP passes.
ITV cuts provide a difficult backdrop
The alleged backstage frustration comes during major changes across ITV’s daytime programmes. More than 220 employees lost their jobs last year, with Lorraine and Loose Women running for just 30 weeks of the year now.
Questions over spending and investment have also followed Sky’s agreement to buy ITV’s broadcast media and entertainment business for £1.6bn. The proposed acquisition still requires approval from Ofcom. Sky has said the deal would bring more free-to-air content to ITV.
Despite the disruption, Good Morning Britain remains in contention for a National Television Award. The programme has secured a nomination in the 2026 Daytime category, with Susanna Reid appearing from her Ibiza holiday to encourage viewers to vote.
ED! has contacted ITV for comment.
Read more: Good Morning Britain viewers criticise John Partridge’s outfit for live interview
GMB airs on weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
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