Lois Swinnerton, the ITV presenter known for delivering regional news, travel and weather updates on Good Morning Britain from the Midlands, has confirmed she is stepping away from the programme for a few months. The Staffordshire-born broadcaster, who joined Good Morning Britain in 2023, will return to ITV Central next year, and will be replaced in the interim by Nitya Rajan.
Announcement and fan reaction
Sharing the news on social media, Swinnerton wrote: "Saying bye for now! It’s my last few days waking you up on Good Morning Britain in the Midlands for a little while." She added: "From next week I’m switching off the 4am alarm and taking a few months off for a new adventure in my personal life! While I’m away you’ll be in the hands of the fantastic Nitya Rajan! I look forward to seeing you all again on ITV Central next year. Until then À bientôt!"
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from followers. One commented: "Bon voyage darling, see you in Paris!" while another wrote: "Have the best time!! Hopefully we can have a little reunion soon." Other messages included "Have the best time away!", "Au revoir until next year!", and "Have a great time, will miss you on central news."
Career background and return to the Midlands
Swinnerton began her career at Birmingham's Big Centre TV before joining Good Morning Britain in 2023. When she first moved to ITV Central a few years ago, she said: "Having grown up in Staffordshire, I am thrilled to be back home in the Midlands after spending seven years working away in various parts of the UK."
She added: "As ITV Central's early presenter, I'll be setting my alarm nice and early to share the latest headlines from across the region as you're waking up. I am looking forward to reporting on all of the big news stories from across the Midlands, while also sharing with you those lighter stories that make us smile, and make us proud of the wonderful area that we call home."
Support from ITV and what's next
Liz Hannam, head of news at ITV Central, said: "We're delighted to have Lois on the team. She's a sharp journalist with a real understanding of what makes a Midlands audience tick. She's a great fit for the ITV News Central presenting team and I'm sure will be a great hit with the morning audiences."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX. Swinnerton's final appearances on the programme will be in the coming days, before she takes her planned break and returns to ITV Central next year.
