GB News has reportedly sacked one of its top presenters before Christmas as part of a significant schedule shake-up, with another high-profile star also let go, according to insiders.
Comedian Mark Dolan is understood to have had his contract terminated, while Eamonn Holmes’ breakfast show co-host Isabel Webster will also be replaced. Andrew Doyle, host of Free Speech Nation, has also stepped down but will continue as a contributor to the channel.
Meanwhile, former MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has also seen his shifts cut as channel bosses move to separate the wheat from the chaff going into 2025.
The news comes shortly after a damning new report condemned the channel for an “obsession” with Muslims, claims GB News have called “highly defamatory”.
Dolan presented Balls of Steel on Channel 4 before hosting self-titled shows, Mark Dolan Tonight and Mark Dolan Live between 2021 and 2024.
“GB News have made the decision to permanently relieve me of my duties at the channel,” he said in a statement. “I will speak publicly about this in due course.”
Holmes, who presents GB News Breakfast on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday, will be joined by Ellie Costello, who will co-host the show five days a week. Stephen Dixon will continue to co-present on Thursdays and Fridays.
The broadcaster also introduced a wave of new programmes for its 2025 schedule. A new permanent addition to the channel includes Miriam Cates, who will host Dewbs and Co every other Friday. Ben Leo will present a new look show, Ben Leo Tonight, on Saturdays and Sundays as well as continue to co-host Britain’s Newsroom on Fridays.
Professor Matthew Goodwin will present State of the Nation as a permanent presenter on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night, while Jacob Rees-Mogg will continues as the show’s host on Monday and Tuesday.
Regular Headliners host, comedian Josh Howie, will become the new presenter of Free Speech Nation on Sunday evenings between 7pm and 9pm.
Commenting on the roles, 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 serving broadcasters terrestrial channels. Our initiatives will allow us to build on this success with a renewed focus and ambition.”
