Lorraine Kelly’s Absence from ITV
“I am feeling a whole lot better. But this has been a bad lurgy. If you’re going through it yourself, you have my sympathy. It’s a tough one. But I am getting there,” Lorraine Kelly shared with her audience on Instagram, addressing her fans during her extended break from her ITV show.
Lorraine’s absence began after she missed broadcasts on March 5 and 6, 2026, and she is expected to be off air for nearly two months. The 66-year-old television presenter has been a fixture of British morning television since her show debuted in 2010, and her recent health issues have led to significant changes in ITV’s daytime programming.
During Lorraine’s absence, Christine Lampard and Ben Shephard have taken over hosting duties. ITV has also made adjustments to its schedule, reducing the airtime of Lorraine’s show to 30 weeks a year, with episodes now airing for only 30 minutes instead of the previous hour. This shake-up is partly due to ITV’s coverage of the Cheltenham Festival, which has necessitated a reorganization of the daytime lineup.
In her Instagram update, Lorraine expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fans, noting that her recent post garnered over 22,000 likes. “I will be off for a good few weeks. Not because I am not well, but because of course the changes to the show,” she explained, indicating that her health is improving.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television, commented on the importance of daytime programming, stating, “Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust.” This reflects ITV’s commitment to maintaining quality content for its audience despite the changes.
Lorraine Kelly first came to national attention in 1988 while reporting on the Pan Am disaster in Lockerbie, and she has since become a beloved figure in British television. Her self-titled show has been a staple for viewers, and her absence marks a significant shift in the daytime landscape.
As ITV navigates these changes, viewers can expect to see Good Morning Britain extend its broadcast until 10am during Lorraine’s absence. The immediate cause for the schedule shake-up highlights the dynamic nature of television programming, particularly in response to major events like the Cheltenham Festival.
With Lorraine’s anticipated return in April 2026, fans remain hopeful for her comeback, eager to see her back on screen. “That’s all for today, Lorraine will be back in a few weeks’ time. Have a lovely weekend, we’ll see you soon!” Christine Lampard concluded, leaving viewers looking forward to Lorraine’s return.
