ITV and BBC cancel shows after Manchester attack

From Digital Spy

BBC and ITV bosses have cancelled several shows following the Manchester terror attack.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 22 people, including children, have died following an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert last night (May 22) while 59 others have been injured.

In response, producers have replaced regularly scheduled programmes with special live news broadcasts to keep viewers updated with the latest developments in the story.

Most recently, it was announced that This Morning was pulled off screens at the last minute.

A post on the show's official Twitter account read: "We're sorry but we've just been told we're not going on air. @ITVNews have developments from Manchester until 2pm – we'll be back tomorrow."

Earlier today, ITV's Lorraine and The Jeremy Kyle Show were also cancelled to make way for live news coverage.

Loose Women, which is due to air at 12.30pm on ITV, has also been cancelled.

A message on the show's official Twitter handle read: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night we will not be on air today.

"@ITVNews will continue its rolling coverage until 2pm. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in the Manchester attack. We will see you tomorrow at 12.30pm."

Meanwhile, the BBC has also pulled Homes Under the Hammer, Going Back Giving Back and A1: Britain's Longest Road.

Despite the numerous changes to today's TV scheduling, an extended version of Good Morning Britain was aired on ITV, featuring Susanna Reid, Piers Morgan and Kate Garraway.

The 21,000-seater Manchester Arena was hosting a stop on Ariana Grande's 'Dangerous Woman Tour' when witnesses reported hearing a "huge bang" after the US pop star left the stage.

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins confirmed that 22 people have died, including children, with 59 injured. He explained the attack was carried out by a lone man, who died at the scene.

In a statement to press, he said: "This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.

"Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones. We continue to do all we can to support them.

"Our priority is to work with the national counter-terrorist policing network and UK intelligence services to establish more details about the individual who carried out this attack."

Many celebrities have spent the morning paying tribute to those who have died or been injured in the attack, while James Corden also shared a video tribute during The Late Late Show last night last night.

Ariana Grande has also tweeted following the incident, saying she has "no words" for what happened.

Emergency numbers have been set up for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area - 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.

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