ITV seizes full ownership of GMTV

ITV today finally took full control of the morning broadcaster GMTV, buying Disney's 25% stake for £22.25 million.

The commercial broadcaster has been trying to buy the Disney holding ever since it took its own share in GMTV up to 75% in 2004 when it bought another 25% stake from STV for £31 million.

Today John Cresswell, chief operating officer of ITV, said: "GMTV is the gateway to the ITV day and a perfect fit with ITV's existing daytime programming.

"It represents an exciting opportunity to create a highly complementary daytime schedule offering great programming from 6am to 6pm."

Peter Fincham, ITV's director of television, met GMTV staff today and told them that an editorial review would start next week.

It was not clear what changes are envisaged or if any jobs are under threat. GMTV boasts an audience of around five million every morning.