ITV have taken the extreme measure of cancelling This Morning and Loose Women following the tragic terror attack in Manchester last night.

The TV station - which is the oldest commercial television network in the UK - will instead be broadcasting an extended news programme until 2pm, after which it should be ressuming it's planned schedule with Dickinson's Real Deal.

The broadcasters decision to cancel This Morning and Loose Women appeared to be a last minute decision.

Just after 9am, This Morning tweeted: "Throughout today's #ThisMorning with @Schofe and @hollywills we'll be bringing you the latest on the Manchester terror attack - from 10:30"

However shortly before they were due to go to air at 10.30 they revised this message, saying: "We're sorry but we've just been told we're not going on air. @ITVNews have developments from Manchester until 2pm - we'll be back tomorrow."

An hour later, Loose Women tweeted a similar message, telling their fans: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night we will not be on air today. @ITVNews will continue its rolling coverage until 2pm"

This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby took to her Instagram to post a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services for their work during the incident.

A host of celebrities - including David Beckham and Sam Faiers - have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at last night's events.

Gavin & Stacey star James Corden dedicated the beginning of his American chat show The Late Late Show to a tribute to the victims and the city of Manchester itself, while Manchester-born comedian Jason Manford broke down in an emotional Facebook video shortly after the news broke.

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