GMTV forces pay cuts

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

'GMTV' presenter Lorraine Kelly could be forced to take a pay cut of up to 25 per cent.

Producers of the ITV breakfast show are hoping to cut costs by reducing the salaries of hosts

Kate Garraway, Lorraine Kelly, Ben Shephard, Andrew Castle, Penny Smith and Emma Crosby, as well as "drastically" shortening their holiday allowance

The breakfast broadcaster is following the BBC's example by cutting the pay of its top-earning performers.

A show insider told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "They are being knocked down by about 25 per cent. They are also having to work more weeks for their money as well.

"Some of them used to have something like 12 weeks off. I think now they are going down to six or seven. 'GMTV' is saving money all over the place. In this climate the presenters will all be nuts not to accept what they have been offered."

Lorraine - who presents her own ITV show straight after 'GMTV' is believed to be facing an £87,000 drop on her current £350,000-a-year salary.

Highest paid male host Ben currently earns around £300,000-a-year, with Kate on £280,000 and Andrew receiving £240,000.

Penny Smith - a newsreader and occasional presenter - earns an estimated £200,000, while newcomer Emma is lowest paid on £120,000.

A spokesman for 'GMTV' - which is 75 per cent owned by ITV and 25 per cent owned by Disney - said: "We do not discuss presenter's contracts. We are very happy with our team of presenters."

Meanwhile, 'Strictly Come Dancing' head judge Len Goodman expects a pay cut when the BBC celebrity dance contest returns later this year - and insists he doesn't mind.

He said: "I think we'll probably be asked to take a pay cut, which I understand, we are in the middle of a recession.

"The job's brilliant. It's not exactly working on the docks - which I did for 10 years. It's a joy so I don't mind if they knock off a couple of bob."