ITV confirms schedule changes with This Morning, Loose Women, Emmerdale and Coronation Street cancelled

ITV has completely revised its planned schedule following the death of the Queen. It was announced early on Thursday evening (September 8) that Queen Elizabeth II had died, aged 96. She was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

In a statement, the Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow." In line with protocol, as set out in Operation London Bridge, a plan which sets out all the steps that must be followed following the Queen's death, the announcement was made by Buckingham Palace, which was first given to the Press Association and the BBC.

It was broadcaster Huw Edwards delivered the news of the Queen’s death live on BBC One. After an image of the flag at Buckingham Palace was shown at half mast, he told viewers: "A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

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Edwards, who was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC's dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect, then read out the statement from Buckingham Palace which announced the news.

ITV had also cancelled all its scheduled programming late this afternoon. Following Tipping Point, which aired between 4pm and 5pm on Thursday (September 8), the broadcaster reverted to news coverage. Julie Etchingham was live in the ITV News studio and was joined by ITV's royal editor Chris Ship.

The broadcaster has now confirmed that it will broadcast continuous news coverage