- Home
- TV
- Current Affairs
- ITV changes schedule as news special is confirmed with general election announced
ITV changes schedule as news special is confirmed with general election announced
The unplanned news special was announced earlier today.
- Lidia Molina-Whyte
Published: Wednesday, 22 May 2024 at 5:11 pm
Subscribe to Radio Times – 5 weeks for £2
ITV has confirmed a last-minute scheduling change for today (Wednesday 22nd May), fuelling speculation that a general election announcement could be imminent.
Ad
An unplanned ITV News Special has been scheduled for 5pm this evening, right after Tipping Point.
The Chase has been dropped from the schedule, with ITV Regional News expected to air as billed at 6pm.
The sudden change in scheduling comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to announce a summer general election.
According to the BBC, the PM is set to deliver a statement outside Downing Street at 5pm BST, with voting expected to take place in July.
Rishi Sunak. Chris J Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Speculation regarding Sunak calling a general election has been mounting for the past 24 hours. Earlier today, the SNP's Stephen Flynn asked the PM directly about his plans.
Read more:
- Real Mr Bates delivers verdict on Rishi Sunak response to Post Office scandal
- Who could replace Huw Edwards as BBC News at Ten presenter?
"Speculation is rife, so I think the public deserve a clear answer to a simple question. Does the prime minister intend to call a summer general election or is he feart [scared]?" Flynn asked during PMQs.
"There is, Mr Speaker – spoiler alert – there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year," Sunak replied.
The official announcement is expected after 5pm today.
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
Accept and continue
Ad
Looking for something to watch? Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Lidia Molina-WhyteFreelance
Ad
Ad
Get the Christmas double issue
Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.
Loading...
Ad
Loading...