Good Morning Britain is celebrating a decade on air, and the team behind the show is reflecting on its impact and evolution. Since its launch in 2014, the ITV breakfast show has become a staple of morning television, setting the news agenda and engaging viewers with its unique blend of news, interviews, and human interest stories. With a 7% growth in share of viewing since its inception, GMB has cemented its place as a go-to source for millions of viewers across the UK.
Susanna Reid, one of the show’s key presenters, reminisces about the launch as an unforgettable moment: “I remember sitting next to the wonderful Ben Shephard… [who] whispered, ‘You’ll never get a second chance to enjoy this moment… So enjoy every second of it.’ You can be quite nervous when you’re presenting a new programme… And when he said that, I just thought, ‘You’re absolutely right!'”. inception.
The show’s format has evolved to adapt to the changing landscape of broadcasting. Reid acknowledges the increased competition from streaming platforms and the proliferation of channels. However, she highlights the positive aspect of instant viewer feedback, which enhances the connection with the audience. “Our viewers were able to instantly react and send us their experience… It feels very live and dynamic. We always knew we were in people’s homes, but now people can be in the studio with us from online too,” she adds.
Kate Garraway echoes similar sentiments about the evolution of broadcasting: “Everybody in a way is a news gatherer because we all have cameras on our mobile phones… Also, with social media playing such a big part in everyone’s lives, people are very interactive with us even whilst we are on air.” Despite these changes, Garraway emphasizes that the core of what they do remains unchanged: “Our core drive to help people understand the world around them better and stay on top of the news that’s important to them has stayed the same.”
The show’s presenters also open up about the challenges and thrills of broadcasting live to the nation. Reid confesses, “You never know what’s going to happen… You might have animals doing unusual things. You might even get kicked in the head! But you take it all in your stride and it is the joy of live broadcasting.” Charlotte Hawkins adds, “I love my job, and I never take for granted how lucky I am to be the one who’s there first thing in the morning, keeping everyone up to date… I work with a fantastic team of people who are brilliant at their jobs.”
When it comes to coping with the infamous early morning starts, the presenters have their own strategies. Reid compares it to “airport time,” setting multiple alarms to ensure she’s up and rolling. Garraway, on the other hand, relies on her passion for the job: “The fact that we are all so lucky to be doing it is what keeps us going.” Hawkins takes a practical approach, getting up at 2:45 am and jumping straight into the shower before her mind can fully register the time.
As Good Morning Britain celebrates its 10th anniversary, the team expresses their gratitude to the loyal viewers who have accompanied them on this journey. Reid acknowledges, “We wouldn’t be doing this without you. Thank you for staying with us… Thank you for keeping us in touch with what really matters to you.” Garraway adds, “Thanks so much for watching us over the last ten years… Here’s to another ten years.”
With a talented team of presenters and a dedicated crew, Good Morning Britain has become an integral part of morning routines across the nation. As the show enters its second decade, we can expect more of the same engaging, informative, and unpredictable content that has made it a staple of breakfast television.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6 am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Image Credit: ITV
