Lorraine itv: Lorraine Kelly Takes Extended Break from ITV Show
Lorraine Kelly’s Health Update
“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,” stated Lorraine Kelly in a recent Instagram post. The 66-year-old television presenter has been absent from her ITV show for nearly two months due to illness and subsequent programming changes.
Lorraine’s absence began after she missed broadcasts on March 5 and 6, 2026. During this time, Christine Lampard and Ben Shephard stepped in to host the show, reassuring viewers of her 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 announced, providing a sense of continuity for the audience.
Since its debut in 2010, Lorraine has been a staple of British morning television, offering a mix of celebrity interviews and lifestyle segments. However, ITV has recently made significant changes to its daytime schedule, reducing the airtime of Lorraine’s show to just 30 weeks a year, with episodes now lasting only 30 minutes instead of the traditional hour. These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to accommodate ITV’s coverage of the Cheltenham Festival.
In her Instagram update, Lorraine expressed gratitude towards her fans, who have shown overwhelming support, with her post receiving over 22,000 likes. She acknowledged the changes impacting her show, saying, “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, stemming from both health concerns and scheduling adjustments.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television, emphasized 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 viewer engagement during the transition.
Lorraine Kelly first gained national attention in 1988 while reporting on the Pan Am disaster in Lockerbie, marking the beginning of a long and successful career in television. Her show has become synonymous with morning routines for many viewers across the UK, making her absence felt more acutely.
As Lorraine’s health improves, she is expected to return to ITV in April 2026. Until then, viewers will have to adjust to the new programming landscape, which includes the temporary removal of Loose Women and an extended broadcast of Good Morning Britain until 10 am during her absence. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further changes to ITV’s daytime schedule.