GB News in chaos as one presenter sacked and another replaced just before Christmas

Controversial news channel GB News has announced a huge shake-up to the presenting lineup that will come into force in the New Year

The broadcaster has announced major changes at the channel (
Image: GB News)

GB News has had a huge presenter shake-up just before Christmas as part of major changes announced by the broadcaster.

Eamonn Holmes’ co-host Isabel Webster is set to be replaced. The 41-year-old, who previously worked for Sky and the BBC, had been a part of the breakfast show since it launched in 2022.

Just weeks ago Isabel and Eamonn, who are close pals off-screen and previously hosted Sky News breakfast show Sunrise together, were celebrating winning ‘best news programme’ at the TRIC Awards.

But 31-year-old Ellie Costello will now take over presenting duties during the working week. And the new lineup, which will come into force in January, is not the only change happening at GB News in the new year.

Mark Dolan has also been dropped from the controversial news channel ( 
Image:
GB News)

A GB News spokesperson said: “Ellie Costello will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days a week, presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and with Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Friday. Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue to co-present GB News Breakfast at Weekends.”

While comedian and former Balls of Steel host Mark Dolan announced that he had suddenly been dropped from the network. The former Channel 4 star shared the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, in two cryptic posts.

In his first post he wrote: “SOME NEWS. I’ve hosted my last MARK DOLAN TONIGHT on GB News. More to follow…” The 50-year-old then followed up an hour later, and shared: “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.”

Other changes coming into force in January include author, political commentator and pollster Professor Matthew Goodwin joining GB News as a permanent presenter in 2025, presenting State of the Nation on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Jacob Rees Mogg will continue to host the show on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Comedian Josh Howie, a regular host on GB News’ late night news-review show, Headliners, will become the new presenter of Free Speech Nation on Sunday evenings between 7-9pm. Andrew Doyle will continue as a contributor to the channel.

The channel said further announcements about presenters and programming will be made by GB News in the New Year.

Speaking about the shake-up, Ben Briscoe, Head Of Programming and Talent on GB News, said: “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 service broadcaster terrestrial channels. Our initiatives will allow us to build on this success with a renewed focus and ambition.”