Lorraine Kelly has temporarily stepped back from hosting her ITV daytime show following the heartbreaking death of her father, John Kelly, as colleagues and viewers alike rally around the much-loved broadcaster during a deeply painful time.
The 66-year-old presenter was absent from Monday’s episode of Lorraine after her father, aged 84, tragically died over the weekend following an ice-related fall in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire. The sudden loss has left Lorraine and her family devastated, with the star choosing to spend time in Scotland surrounded by loved ones.
In her absence, Christine Lampard stepped in to present the programme, opening the show with a heartfelt message of support. A visibly emotional atmosphere carried through the morning’s broadcast as ITV colleagues made clear that Lorraine was firmly in their thoughts.
Earlier on Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid addressed the situation with warmth and compassion, telling viewers: “We want to send our condolences. Sending enormous amounts of love,” as a photograph of Lorraine and her father appeared on screen.
Christine, who described herself as an unexpected stand-in, assured viewers that the team would do their best to carry on until Lorraine feels ready to return. “Lorraine is spending some time with her family,” she said gently. “But we are all thinking of you, Lorraine, and we will see you very soon.”
The news of John Kelly’s passing was shared by Lorraine herself in an emotional Instagram post that offered a touching glimpse into their close bond. Paying tribute to her father, she wrote of the man who nurtured her curiosity and love of learning from a young age.
“My dad has died,” she shared. “I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me, and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything.”
Though she explained that her father had been in poor health, Lorraine admitted his death still came as a shock. She also spoke movingly about the shared grief felt by herself and her brother Graham, asking for privacy as they focus on supporting their mother and wider family.
Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding John’s death, with inquiries believed to be focused on the possibility of a slip on ice during freezing conditions.
Friends and colleagues of the presenter have described her as heartbroken, with a source close to Lorraine saying she is still coming to terms with the loss and will be spending the coming days with her family.
As viewers continue to send messages of sympathy, the overwhelming mood is one of compassion and respect for a woman who has spent decades bringing warmth into British homes. For now, Lorraine Kelly is taking time to grieve a father she clearly adored—remembering a man whose quiet influence helped shape the curious, kind, and resilient broadcaster the nation knows today.
