GB News is entering 2025 with substantial changes to its presenter lineup and schedule, marking the conclusion of several familiar faces and the introduction of new talent. Following the announcement of major shake-ups, many viewers are left contemplating the drastic changes within the channel.
Mark Dolan and Isabel Webster are among the significant departures, with Dolan confirming he has been "permanently relieved" of his duties. He shared this via X on Wednesday evening, stating, "GB News have made the decision to permanently relieve me of my duties at the channel. I will speak publicly about this in due course." Dolan had been with GB News since its launch, where he hosted the popular weekend show, Mark Dolan Tonight, and also appeared on Mark Dolan Live on Fridays until late November 2023.
Webster, who has co-hosted the GB News Breakfast show with Eamonn Holmes since its inception, will also be replaced. She will be succeeded by Ellie Costello, who will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days per week alongside Holmes on Mondays through Wednesdays, and with Stephen Dixon on Thursdays and Fridays. Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue their roles as co-hosts on weekends.
The shake-up does not end there, as Andrew Doyle also stepped down from his position, though he will remain with the channel as a contributor. On the bright side, Ellie Costello, previously with Sky News and BBC, will now take on her role as the primary co-host for GBN Breakfast.
The changes coincide with the introduction of Miriam Cates, who will host the daytime program Dewbs and Co on alternate Fridays, as well as other programs throughout GB News’ schedule. The channel also welcomes Professor Matthew Goodwin, who will present State of the Nation on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, with Jacob Rees Mogg continuing to host on Mondays and Tuesdays. An exciting development sees comedian Josh Howie take the reins of Free Speech Nation on Sunday evenings between 7 and 9 PM.
Ben Leo, another new face on the channel, will present Ben Leo Tonight on Saturday and Sunday nights, continuing his already established role on Britain’s Newsroom on Fridays. The adjustment to the schedule aims to refresh programming and keep up with the shifting dynamics of audiences within the news broadcasting sphere.
Ben Briscoe, GB News’s Head of Programming and Talent, expressed optimism for the changes: "2024 has been a truly fantastic year for us. Not only are we regularly beating the other established news channels, but we are also making inroads against the big public serving broadcasters. Our initiatives will allow us to build on this success with renewed focus and ambition."
The audience response to the news of the shake-up has been quite strong, with many fans grieving over the loss of familiar presenters. Following the announcement, viewers took to social media to voice their reactions; one user stated, "@GBNEWS Has sacked Isabel Webster and Mark Nolan. Ms Webster has kept the breakfast show together whilst Holmes mutters about Belfast. Thank you Isabel, a true professional."
Adding to the emotional farewells is Eamonn Holmes, who recently bid goodbye alongside Webster as they wrapped up their final show for the year. After the broadcast, Isabel shared her sentiments on social media, thanking viewers for their support throughout 2024 where she noted, "Final show from us for 2024. Thanks for your company this year. See you soon! Merry Christmas - I hope you all find some peace and joy." This farewell was met with warm responses from viewers, praising their performance and expressing hopes for their return.
Holmes, who has faced his own health challenges including serious mobility issues following back surgery, has continued to engage with audiences about his struggles. During their last show together for the year on December 18, he candidly discussed his situation, stating, "The train definitely could be a dream, but I'm now sort of wheelchair laden...you rely on a lot of people to get you on and off. It's very, very difficult doing this."
Despite the departures and changes, GB News aims to capitalize on its current momentum with the new programming strategies set for 2025. With fresh faces, renewed roles, and significantly updated broadcasting plans, the channel hopes to reinforce its place among British news platforms as it navigates this transitional period.
Overall, the year is closing on GB News with considerable change, and as audiences await the new schedule, it’s clear the network is striving to reshape its identity and outreach, all the more underlining the dynamic nature of the broadcasting industry.