Lorraine Kelly has confirmed she will return to ITV on September 7, ending weeks of speculation about her return to the morning schedule. The 66-year-old presenter made the announcement during an appearance on the first episode of the new series of James Martin's Saturday Morning on August 29.
Kelly signed off from her ITV show on July 3, telling viewers she would be "away for a wee while" and that she would "really miss" them before promising to return "very, very soon". Her extended break comes as part of ITV's new daytime schedule, which has seen her show reduced to a seasonal 30-week run, with the programme also shortened from an hour to 30 minutes.
Family celebrations during break
Rather than simply taking time away from television, Kelly has been enjoying a particularly special period with her family. Speaking to James Martin, she confirmed her return date before revealing how much she has enjoyed having more time away from the studio.
James started off by saying, "Tell me about your new series. You're back on our screens in the morning." Kelly confirmed: "Yes, I'm back on the 7th of September after a big break, which has been amazing. I've spent lots of time with my granddaughter."
Sharing an exciting family update, she revealed: "My daughter Rosie got married, which was wonderful. She got married in Scotland, just outside of Dunblane, and it was beautiful. We had a wonderful, wonderful time, so I feel very lucky."
Family traditions and priorities
Kelly became visibly reflective as she spoke about spending more precious time with her family during her break. Her daughter Rosie married Steve White in Scotland in July, at the Cromlix Hotel near Dunblane. Kelly is also a grandmother to Rosie's young daughter, Billie, making her time away from television an opportunity to spend more time with her granddaughter.
James then pointed out that Kelly has always placed importance on family traditions. "You've always kept family tradition, haven't you?" he said. Kelly replied: "Yes, because a job is great, but it's just a job at the end of the day. Your family and friends are the most important thing."
Return to the studio
Under ITV's new schedule, Lorraine now airs for 30 weeks of the year and has been reduced to a half-hour programme. The changes mean that when Kelly is off air, Good Morning Britain takes over the extended morning slot. Kelly has continued to front the programme despite the changes, having been a familiar face on ITV mornings for decades.
After spending much of her most recent break celebrating family milestones, the presenter will soon be back in the studio. Fans can expect to see her return to ITV on Monday, September 7, when her show resumes its place in the morning schedule. James Martin Saturday Morning airs every Saturday from 9:30am on ITV1 and ITVX, and Lorraine will return on September 7 from 9:30am on ITV1 and ITVX.
