Lorraine Kelly Takes a Break from ITV Show
“I will be off for a good few weeks, not because I am not well, but because of course the changes to the show,” Lorraine Kelly stated, announcing her upcoming hiatus from her long-running ITV program. The beloved presenter has been a fixture on British television for nearly 40 years, and her absence will be felt by many viewers.
Kelly’s show, which has recently been reduced from an hour to just 30 minutes, now airs from 9:30 am to 10 am on weekdays. This significant change is part of ITV’s broader restructuring of its daytime schedule, which began in January 2026 and has resulted in over 200 job losses behind-the-scenes. Lorraine’s show has been a staple of daytime television since she first gained attention while reporting on the Pan Am disaster in Lockerbie in 1988.
In her announcement, Lorraine expressed gratitude towards her audience, saying, “I never take it for granted and I really, really, really appreciate you tuning in.” This heartfelt message comes as she prepares to step away from the screen for seven weeks, coinciding with the Cheltenham Festival, which will temporarily replace her show for a week.
Kelly’s career has seen her help launch GMTV in 1993 and later her self-titled show, Lorraine, in 2010. Throughout her tenure, she has become known for her engaging interviews and warm presence, making her a favorite among viewers. Despite the recent changes, she remains optimistic and connected to her audience, stating, “I want to thank you for sticking with me through all the changes.”
In addition to the programming changes, Lorraine has faced personal health challenges in recent months. She commented, “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.” Her openness about her health issues has resonated with fans, who have shown their support, with her latest social media update receiving over 22,000 likes.
As Lorraine takes this break, viewers will be left wondering how the changes will affect the show’s future. ITV’s decision to cut back on airtime reflects a significant shift in the landscape of daytime television, raising questions about the direction of programming in the coming years.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether Lorraine will return to her original format after her hiatus. For now, fans will have to wait and see how ITV’s changes will play out and how they will impact one of the network’s most cherished programs.
