Lorraine Kelly, a prominent figure in British morning television, is set to take an extended break from her show for nearly two months due to illness and significant programming changes at ITV. The network confirmed that Lorraine’s absence began after she missed broadcasts on March 5 and 6, 2026, and she will officially start her seven-week break in early March 2026.

During Lorraine’s absence, fellow presenters Christine Lampard and Ben Shephard have stepped in to host her show. This shift comes as ITV has announced a reduction in the duration of Lorraine’s show, which has been cut from an hour to just 30 minutes, now airing on weekdays from 9:30 am to 10 am. Additionally, both Lorraine and the popular talk show Loose Women will now only air for 30 weeks a year, a significant change from their previous schedules.

The changes to ITV’s daytime programming were first revealed in May 2025, with the immediate cause being the network’s coverage of the Cheltenham Festival. In a bid to fill the slots traditionally held by Lorraine and Loose Women, Good Morning Britain has extended its broadcast until 10 am, further altering the landscape of ITV’s daytime offerings.

Lorraine Kelly, who is currently 66 years old, first gained national attention in 1988 while reporting on the Pan Am disaster in Lockerbie. Her self-titled show debuted in 2010 and has since become a staple of British morning television, garnering a loyal following. As of the latest figures, Lorraine boasts 591,000 Instagram followers, with her recent update receiving 22,000 likes, indicating her continued popularity despite the current changes.

In light of her health issues, Lorraine expressed her feelings on social media, stating, “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.” She also mentioned, “I will be off for a good few weeks. Not because I am not well, but because of course the changes to the show.”

The programming changes have not only affected the show’s format but have also led to around 200 job losses within ITV’s daytime production, highlighting the broader impact of the network’s restructuring efforts. Kaye Adams, a presenter on Loose Women, acknowledged the emotional weight of the changes, stating, “There is a reason to get tearful, it’s your last Loose Women for a few weeks. We will be back next month.”

As ITV navigates these significant changes, observers are left to consider the implications for its daytime programming and the future of its beloved shows. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further adjustments or the long-term impact of these shifts on the network’s lineup.

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“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.

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“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.

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