When GB News launched in June 2021, it aimed to change the British broadcasting scene with its bold, personality-driven approach. In just a few short years, the channel grew to become one of the UK’s most talked-about networks. With presenters like Anne Diamond, Andrew Pierce and Eamonn Holmes, the channel has been attracting millions of viewers monthly.
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However, it looks like the network bosses are taking up a new strategy now as a recent shake-up has left both viewers and presenters stunned. The sudden departure of Breakfast show co-host Isabel Webster has come across as a shocking move. What’s more? She’s not the only one affected by the GB News shake-up!
GB News chaos: What do we know so far and who is going to replace Islabel Webster?
GB News is no stranger to controversies since its inception. From the Dan Wootton scandal to calls for the channel being axed, it has seen everything. Their recent shake-up has only added fuel to the fire. It was revealed this week that Isabel Webster, a key fixture of the Breakfast show alongside Eamonn Holmes, has been replaced by Ellie Costello, a younger face on the network.
It is understood Costello will now co-host the Breakfast show with Holmes from Monday to Wednesday and Stephen Dixon from Thursday to Friday, reports The Standard.
While Webster herself hasn’t addressed the news on social media, an insider has revealed that Holmes is ‘gutted’ by the news of her departure. The insider told The Sun that the duo were loved by the viewers and only recently Webster posted on her Instagram thanking people for her last show of 2024 on the channel with brighter hopes for 2025.
Insisting that Holmes is sad over the news of Webster leaving, the insider said:
Eamonn has loved working with Isabel over the years and they're incredibly popular with viewers as a duo. They were both fully expecting to reunite in 2025 after doing their final show of the year yesterday.
It was a real shock to everyone involved. Eamonn's gutted about it and the fact that he's been blindsided has made it even worse.
Isabel's been a massive source of comfort to him during a terribly difficult year following his separation from Ruth [Langsford]. He's still reeling from the news.
Amidst this, a senior channel insider hinted at a potential reason behind her departure and told MailOnline:
Isabel was too woke and not on message.
Isabel Webster's journey on GBNews
Like Holmes, Webster’s exit may feel deeply personal for many viewers. A veteran broadcaster, Webster joined GB News in 2021 and brought in her extensive experience from Sky News and the BBC. Before becoming a household name, Webster grew up in Surrey. According to the Press Gazette, she studied politics and theology at the University of Bristol and earned a postgraduate diploma in Broadcast Journalism from City, University of London.
Webster’s career spans radio and television, including stints at local BBC services and several prominent roles at Sky News, where she anchored major programs. Her partnership with Holmes is also not new. It began years ago onSky News’Sunrise show, making their reunion on GB News’ Breakfast show a nostalgic highlight for fans. With her warm, approachable style, Webster quickly became a beloved figure on the channel, making her sudden departure all the more shocking.
Webster’s heartfelt confession before her exit
Adding to the emotional weight of her departure is her recent candid confession about the financial pressures of parenthood. In an interview, Webster opened up about her fears of not being able to provide the same financial support to her children as her parents did for her, reports The Express.
She shared her gratitude for the help she received from her parents when she bought her first flat and hoped she could do the same for her kids when the time comes. She said:
They [her parents] helped me to buy my first flat. That meant I never really got to a place where I was struggling to make ends meet, thanks to their generosity.
They didn't spoil me or my brother, but they helped us out whenever we would have struggled otherwise. I don't know if I'll be able to do the same for my kids.
On being questioned about her number one financial priority, she replied:
To give my kids the best launch in life like my parents did for me. We are already saving to help our kids through school and university.
With her sudden departure from GB News, Webster’s plans may be put on hold.
Others who have been affected by the sudden GB News shake-up
Webster’s exit is just one piece of the puzzle in GB News’ ongoing shake-up. Mark Dolan, another prominent presenter of the channel, announced this week that he had been ‘relieved of his duties.’ This came after years of hosting popular shows like Mark Dolan Tonight and Friday Night Live.
Dolan took to X and wrote:
STATEMENT. 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.
🚨STATEMENT
— Mark Dolan (@mrmarkdolan) December 18, 2024
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
While Dolan’s Saturday night slot faced stiff competition from Strictly Come Dancing, insiders suggest his fluctuating stance on Brexit may have also played a role in his dismissal.
Meanwhile, Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MPand host of State of the Nation, has seen his on-screen presence significantly reduced. Previously hosting the show four nights a week, Rees-Mogg will now appear only on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Newer faces like Ben Leo and Josh Howie are set to take on expanded roles, signaling a potential shift in the network’s strategy. GB News’Head of Programming, Ben Briscoe, described these changes as part of a ‘renewed focus and ambition’ to maintain the channel’s competitive edge.
Read more:
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Sources used:
The Standard: Eamonn Holmes co-host Isabel Webster replaced and another GB News presenter 'sacked' in major network shake-up
Press Gazette: Who are the presenters at GB News? Everything you need to know
MailOnline: Eamonn Holmes left reeling after his GB News co-star Isabel Webster is sacked - leaving his 2025 plans with the TV presenter in tatters
The Express: Isabel Webster's heartbreaking job confession before brutal GB News axe
