Lorraine Kelly has shared an emotional health update with fans, revealing she will be away from television screens for seven weeks — while also thanking viewers for their continued support during a turbulent period for her ITV show.
The beloved Scottish presenter, 66, had already sparked concern among viewers after she was noticeably absent from Thursday and Friday’s episodes of her self-titled programme, which usually airs on ITV between 9:30am and 10am.
Last week, fans urged Lorraine to take time off and rest after she appeared under the weather on air. The presenter was subsequently replaced by stand-in hosts Ben Shephard and Christine Lampard.
On Monday morning, Lorraine took to Instagram to reassure her followers that she was on the mend — despite still sounding hoarse in the candid video update.
Speaking directly to her 591,000 followers without make-up, she said: “Hi there. Just want to say thanks for the get well wishes. 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 then confirmed she will not be returning to screens for several weeks — though she made clear the break is not solely due to illness.
Lorraine explained: “I will be off for a good few weeks. Not because I am not well, but because of course the changes to the show. We now do 30 weeks a year.”
The presenter added that the time away means viewers will not see her for a while, but she remains deeply grateful for their support.
“I won’t see you for a wee while, but I want to thank you for sticking with me through all the changes. I hope to see you when I am back on air. I never take it for granted and I really, really, really appreciate you tuning in. Thanks so so much.”
Alongside the heartfelt video, Lorraine wrote in the caption that she was thankful for the kind messages she had received from fans.
“THANK YOU for sticking with me through all of the changes to the show and for your kind messages. I will be back soon and really looking forward to your company.”
She also praised her colleagues behind the scenes, adding: “Thanks to my top team and crew and all of the lovely guests who come on @lorraine to share their stories. I will miss you but see you real soon.”
Her post quickly filled with messages of support from fans and famous friends alike.
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden wrote: “Sending all the love lovely lady @lorraine missed you this morning.”
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid added: “Get well soon @lorrainekellysmith and loads of love.”
Meanwhile broadcaster Kate Robbins encouraged the star with a playful message: “Get well soon, you’re nearly there! #lurgyhatred!”
Doctor Amir Khan also shared his support, writing: “We love you and hope you feel better.”
Charlotte Hawkins from Good Morning Britain echoed the sentiment, adding: “Hope you’re feeling better soon! Sending love.”
Lorraine’s absence comes amid a major shake-up to ITV’s daytime schedule that has already left viewers surprised.
From Monday, Good Morning Britain now airs from 6am until 10am, before This Morning begins at 10am and runs until 12:30pm.
As a result, both Lorraine and Loose Women have temporarily disappeared from the weekday line-up for several weeks.
The change had already been hinted at on Friday’s programmes.
Christine Lampard told viewers at the end of the show: “That’s all for today, Lorraine will be back in a few weeks’ time. Have a lovely weekend, we’ll see you soon.”
Loose Women anchor Kaye Adams also warned audiences about the upcoming break, saying: “It’s your last Loose Women for a few weeks. But we will be back next month.”
The scheduling changes follow a major overhaul announced last year, when ITV confirmed significant daytime cuts that would lead to more than 220 job losses.
Under the new format, Lorraine’s programme will now air for only 30 weeks of the year, with Good Morning Britain extending into her previous 9am slot for the remaining weeks.
When the show does air, its runtime will also be shorter — reduced to just 30 minutes between 9:30am and 10am.
Despite the upheaval, Lorraine’s heartfelt message made clear she remains grateful to viewers who have continued to support the programme through its biggest changes yet.
