Maybe Helen didn't want to be involved? In the last 2 and half years how many on screen staff have been axed or 'got rid of'; Penny, Ben, Andrew, Emma, Richard, Claire, Helen, Andrian, Chrisirine, Kirsty, Tasmin, Steve, Lucy, Dan. That's a lot of people and yes some may not have been axed by as such but really they weren't wanted as part of the new team. Personally I would give a long thought before I'd join ITV Breakfast.
If she didn't want to be involved in any capacity then she wouldn't be involved now. She might have turned down a regular slot (e.g. Ranvir's) and I'm sure she'll pop up somewhere along the way, most likely in school holidays when Kate will presumably cover Lorraine Mon-Thurs. Its just a shame that she doesn't appear to have a regular role, unless she becomes a reporter of sorts (e.g. the Elton John interview she did). Whether the decision is hers or not, its still a shame.
Is it definite that there will be a new name? Its listed as 'Daybreak' from 6-8.30am on Radio Times on Monday, its even one of the picks of the day. I would have expected it to be listed in two slots (6-7, 7-8.30) but then GMTV wasn't listed in this way in 2009/10.
Finally, on the topic of the newsreader, there is simply no need for a newsreader during the 'newshour' when they have Matt & Ranvir presenting. It will defeat the purpose and make some stories look less important. BBC Breakfast style updates would suffice, just let them read the main stories.
