What happened to ITV today? Why channel is off air, security alert explained, and when it will be back

ITV’s live shows were taken off air after a “security alert” near the studios where they film.

The live broadcast of This Morning, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, went off air on Thursday (10 March) morning.

Lorraine Kelly was reportedly named on a “suspicious package” that was sent to the ITV Studios, sparking an evacuation.

It has been claimed that the package was intercepted by security before it reached her.

A source told The Sun: “Word quickly got around that whatever the box contained, it was addressed to Lorraine.

“Everyone at ITV loves her – so people were upset and very concerned over the whole incident. Fortunately everyone is safe, but it shakes everyone up.”

Here we take a look at what the “security alert” was and when ITV live shows will be back on air.

What happened?

The issues on the network began just before 12.15pm while Schofield and Willoughby were presenting This Morning live.

However, after they returned from the break, the pair appeared in a pre-recorded segment until the show finished at 12.30.

Loose Women started at its usual time with a message which read: "This is a pre-recorded programme."

Why is the channel off air?

Police responded to a security alert by Wood Lane station in London.

The station is directly opposite the ITV show’s Television Centre studios.

Transport for London tweeted: “White City and Wood Lane stations closed: While the police respond to a security alert outside the station.”

A spokesperson for the Met Police told Metro.co.uk: “At 11:14hrs on Thursday, 10 March, police were called to reports of a security alert at Wood Lane, White City.

“It was reported a suspicious item had been discovered.”

Lorraine Kelly was reportedly named on a “suspicious package” that was sent to the ITV Studios, sparking the evacuation.

An ITV spokesperson said: “Due to a suspected security alert, the building which ITV daytime broadcast from was safely evacuated.”

The spokesperson for the Met Police added: “The area was evacuated as a precaution and White City and Wood Lane tube stations were temporarily closed.

“The incident was stood down shortly before 12:49hrs. An investigation is ongoing.”

When will ITV be back on air?

ITV said in a statement: “‘The issue has been resolved and staff have returned to the building following the all clear from the police.

“We apologise for the interruption to the schedule and we have now returned to normal programming.”

What have the ITV hosts said?

This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield addressed the incident on his Instagram Stories.

He thanked the police for their help.

He wrote: “Back in my dressing room @thismorning after a security alert.

“All ok and thankfully a false alarm.”

“Thank you to our team @thisistvc and @metpolice_uk for being amazing…I’ve been to the pub with everyone now back to get my house keys,” he added.

Loose Women host Charlene White tweeted what the panel intended to discuss on the programme: “This is exactly what we were planning on talking about on @loosewomen today.

“How journalists protect their mental health at times like this, and advice for the public on how to do the same during war in a social media age.”

How did viewers respond?

Viewers were left confused by the sudden change, with one writing on Twitter: “Had to rewind the tv 3 times to work out what’s happened to #thismorning #itv and still none the wiser!! Where’s it gone!!’”

Another asked: “What has happened to @thismorning @ITV?!”

Another viewer said: “@thismorning@ITV what has happened to the last 15 mins of the show?”

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