Viewers gasp 'this is really making telly on the cheap!' after behind-the-scenes video from ITV and Channel 5 broadcaster reveals 'frightening' truth behind new studios

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Channel 5 viewers were left in shock and hit out against 'cheap' TV production after broadcasting company ITN shared the truth behind their studios. 

The production company, which is behind the broadcast of Channel 5's daytime programming, recently took over Good Morning Britain after a huge ITV shake-up. 

The morning news show moved from ITV's Television Centre to the ITN headquarters in central London, while the likes of This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women now film at The H Club in Covent Garden.

Taking to social media this week, ITN shared a behind-the-scenes video of how Channel 5's daytime shows are turned around in between broadcasts. 

The video, filmed from a camera up above the studio, showed the teams moving around pieces of the set, which include large wooden structures painted and decorated like walls, to create the different backgrounds. 

It showcased how the set and furniture is moved around for back-to-back programmes, debate show Jeremy Vine, news programme Storm & Alexis, and chat show Vanessa - all within the same space. 

The video showcased how the ITN studios are turned around by the crew between shows

A new video showcased how the set and furniture is moved around for back-to-back programmes, debate show Jeremy Vine, news programme Storm & Alexis, and chat show Vanessa - all within the same space

The shows are aired daily on Channel 5 at 9:15am, 11:30am and 2pm - while 5 News at Lunchtime airs at 12:45pm, and Matt Allwright's news show airs at 12:50pm. 

The camera crew could be seen moving throughout the space as workers built the sets in between live TV that welcomed its familiar stars. 

Posting the clip to X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer furiously hit out against the set up saying: 'This really is making TV on the cheap. 

'This isn't good public service broadcasting from Channel 5. It's all based in London rehashing the same inflammable talking points over and over again.'

Another chimed in to agree: 'It’s just cheap, formulaic and lowest common denominator chewing gum TV. No ambition or purpose.'

'Cheap, very cheap,' someone else hit out, as a fourth angrily penned: 'It’s frightening how proud they are of this.'

Others stepped in to defend the video, with one writing: 'Doesn't make TV look cheap at all. All TV channels these days are the same when it comes to spending money. 

'When watching TV would you know that it's in the same studio? No.... you wouldn't.'

Fans hit out online against the video which showed the teams at ITN behind-the-scenes

The shows are aired daily on Channel 5 at 9:15am, 11:30am and 2pm - while 5 News at Lunchtime airs at 12:45pm, and Matt Allwright's news show airs at 12:50pm

The video, filmed from a camera up above the studio, showed the teams moving around pieces of the set, including that of talk show Vanessa

Another hit back: 'That is the only way TV will be able to operate moving forward the days of having lots of studios is long gone.'

While a third said: 'Are you mad that they re-use a studio for multiple live shows?' as another pointed out: 'If only Channel 5 had a budget of £6 billion.'

The Daily Mail has contacted ITN for comment. 

It comes after Susanna Reid hit back at criticism from viewers over the 'cramped' Good Morning Britain studio, after the programme made its debut in a new space at the ITN studios on Monday.

The TV presenter, who was joined by Ed Balls for the show's return after the Christmas period, was seen looking closer to guests than usual as the studio was scaled down as part of changes to ITV's daytime schedule. 

Fans of the breakfast programme took to X, formerly Twitter, to mock the new set up - noting that it appeared Susanna, 55, had to lean back from guests, which included Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch, during the broadcast. 

Now, Susanna has hit back against the criticism, replying to viewers that despite the scale-down in studio size, she was 'happy' to be 'closer' to show guests. 

She penned on X after the waves of complaints: 'New studio = big headlines! More than happy to be closer to our brilliant guests…'

Susanna Reid has hit back at criticism from viewers over the 'cramped' Good Morning Britain studio, after the programme made its debut in a new space on Monday

GMB presenter Ed Balls shared a photo alongside Susanna Reid in their new studio

It didn't stop viewers from sharing their thoughts, replying to Susanna in the comments: 'Not loving it, sorry. Looks too cramped and uncomfortable...' 

Another chimed in to hit back against the star: 'Sorry, but not a fan. It looks really small and cramped and the London skyline behind where you sit looks like a very bad print.'

While a third agreed: 'I’m sorry, I don’t like the new studio, too small & far too close to each other, plus the logo on the front looks like a cheap sticker. The old studio is much better!'

On Monday, the ITV show returned with Susanna and Ed, 58, behind the new studio desk - and and fans were quick to point out what they didn't like about the space. 

Co-host Ed, a former Labour shadow chancellor, posted a photo of the pair preparing for the show on X, writing: 'New Year, New Studio - we’re off on GMB in 2026!'

But one scathing criticism said: 'ITV cuts showing in the new set. So small, looks cheap and people sitting on top of each other.'

Another commenter said: 'The problem with the smaller studio is when there are four people at the desk everyone leans outwards when speaking to look directly at those around them.

'Unfortunately in single camera shot it looks like we are constantly looking at human leaning towers.'

The Good Morning Britain set looked significantly different before the revamp

Susanna also shared a photo from the new studio space 

The presenter was also asked: 'Have you replaced everyone in the gallery too? Awful camera angles, cutting cameras to the wrong shot.' 

GMB viewers had been left baffled when the programme disappeared from scheduling last week, amid huge job cuts and a studio move.

Viewers were left confused as the show disappeared from their screens, with one social media user asking: 'Where is GMB this morning?'

Another wrote: 'Pretty pathetic going off air for two days. Do you think there is no news in early January? Really sad!'

In GMB's previous programme on December 31, Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh told viewers they would be back on January 5, in a different studio and with different producers - ITN - in 2026.

'It is our final show of 2025, with the best team on television here, and it's the last one in the studio as we make a move to a new home in the New Year,' the presenters said.

'GMB returns on Monday the 5th of January, and we hope to see you then. From all the presenting team we want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to every person who helps on this show, a huge thank you.'

The show's break comes amid budget cuts, including 220 jobs lost and a reshuffle that sees GMB regulars such as Charlotte Hawkins presenting other programmes including ITV News bulletins.

Weather presenter Laura Tobin also appeared on screen as the programme returned to ITV

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GMB's 'cramped' new studio sees hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid having to lean back from guests

GMB staff were last year said to have been left furious about having to bring in their own breakfast to work as the ITV budget cuts pulled tight on the purse strings.

The presenters are among the ITV staff who were allegedly told that their new workspace will not have toasters to make breakfast as the show relocates to the ITN studios.

Susanna Reid is thought to be among the stars of the show who attended a meeting where staff were notified the machines were banned due to health and safety.

An insider told The Sun: 'It is mutiny down at Good Morning Britain HQ. The new offices’ kitchen is in a basement with no windows or natural light, so smoke from a toaster is a serious health hazard.

'Everyone will have to start bringing in their Tupperware packed breakfasts.'

Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women are relocating this month to the basement studio of London's The H Club Studio, a former private members' club in Covent Garden.

Almost 900 hours of live daily programming a year will be produced at the new studio, which features a 360-degree set with LED walls to project the backgrounds for the different shows.

Instead of separate spaces, the three series - which air back-to-back on weekdays on ITV - will use one gallery, with a quick turn around plan of the space between shows.