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,” said Lorraine Kelly in a recent Instagram update, addressing her fans about her health. The popular television presenter is currently taking an extended break from her ITV show, which has been a staple of British morning television since its debut in 2010.
Lorraine’s absence from the show began after she missed broadcasts on March 5 and 6, 2026. During this time, Christine Lampard and Ben Shephard stepped in to host the program, reassuring viewers of Lorraine’s eventual return. “That’s all for today, Lorraine will be back in a few weeks’ time. Have a lovely weekend, we’ll see you soon!” Lampard stated, providing a sense of continuity for the audience.
The changes to Lorraine’s schedule come amid ITV’s broader programming adjustments, which include reducing the airtime of her show to just 30 weeks a year and shortening episodes to 30 minutes instead of the usual hour. This shake-up is primarily attributed to ITV’s coverage of the Cheltenham Festival, which has necessitated a temporary reshuffling of its daytime lineup.
In her Instagram post, Lorraine 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.” This statement highlights the dual nature of her absence: both health-related and due to the evolving programming landscape at ITV.
At 66 years old, Lorraine Kelly has been a prominent figure in British television for nearly 40 years, first gaining national attention in 1988 while reporting on the Pan Am disaster in Lockerbie. Her recent health update garnered significant support, receiving over 22,000 likes, underscoring her strong connection with viewers.
As ITV continues to adapt its daytime schedule, Good Morning Britain will extend its broadcast until 10 am during Lorraine’s absence, further emphasizing the network’s commitment to delivering news and discussion to its audience. Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television, remarked, “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.”
Lorraine is expected to return to ITV in April 2026, bringing her unique presence back to morning television. Until then, viewers will have to adjust to the new programming changes and await her comeback.
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