Lorraine Kelly Announces Extended Hiatus from ITV Morning Show
Popular television presenter Lorraine Kelly has publicly addressed her absence from ITV's morning programming, confirming she will be off air for several weeks. The 66-year-old broadcaster took to Instagram to reassure fans that her break is not due to health concerns but rather stems from recent scheduling adjustments implemented by the network.
ITV's Restructured Morning Lineup
The changes to ITV's weekday morning schedule were first announced in May 2025 and took effect this January. Under the new format, Good Morning Britain now airs from 6am to 9:30am, extending its previous three-hour broadcast by an additional thirty minutes. This adjustment means Lorraine now occupies the 9:30am to 10am slot, while This Morning with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley broadcasts from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.
Most significantly, these scheduling modifications mean Lorraine will only air for thirty weeks annually. During the weeks when the program is not broadcast, Good Morning Britain will continue for four hours, concluding at 10am instead.
Kelly's Personal Message to Viewers
In a heartfelt video posted to her Instagram account, Kelly expressed appreciation for the well-wishes she has received while clarifying the nature of her absence. "Hi there. Just want to say thanks for all the get well wishes. I'm feeling a whole lot better, but, oh, this has been a bad lurgy," she shared. "If you're going through it yourself, you have my sympathies. It's a tough one, but I'm getting there."
The presenter continued, "I will though be off for a good few weeks, not because I'm not well, but because, of course, there's been changes to the show, and we now do 30 weeks a year. So I won't see you for a wee while, but I want to thank you for sticking with me through all the changes, and I hope to see you when I'm back on air and never take it for granted. And I really, really appreciate you tuning in. Thanks so so much."
In her accompanying caption, Kelly added further gratitude: "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. 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."
Network Rationale Behind Schedule Changes
When ITV initially announced these programming adjustments last year, Kevin Lygo, managing director of the broadcaster's media and entertainment division, explained the strategic reasoning. "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 as well generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres," Lygo stated.
He further emphasized, "These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output and to build upon our proud history of trusted journalism at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever."
Fan Reactions and Industry Support
Kelly's announcement prompted an outpouring of support from both viewers and fellow television personalities. Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden commented, "Sending all the love lovely lady @lorraine ???? missed you this morning xxxx," while Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid wrote, "Get well soon @lorrainekellysmith and loads of love ❤️."
Viewers expressed their disappointment at the extended Good Morning Britain broadcasts during Kelly's absence. Instagram user @plum.355 remarked, "Really missed you this am. Prefer the hour long show. Can't be doing with all the shouting etc on Good Morning Britain! Too early for that! Get well soon xx." Another fan, @lynne.ewart, added, "Without you on morning TV there really is NO reason for us to switch on. We love you dearly, Lorraine, wishing you well and missing your lovely face that never fails to brighten up the mornings xxx?."
When Lorraine returns to television, it will continue to air weekdays from 9:30am to 10am on both ITV1 and the streaming platform ITVX. The program's reduced annual schedule represents a significant shift in ITV's morning programming strategy, balancing cost efficiencies with viewer expectations for trusted, familiar content during daytime hours.
