Lorraine Kelly has returned to her ITV show for the first time since the death of her father, John Kelly, who died aged 84 earlier this month. The TV presenter fought tears as she spoke about the “tough” period and thanked viewers for their support.
John Kelly was found injured on an icy path in East Kilbride on a Saturday morning and died at the scene. Staff from a nearby Tesco store discovered him around 7am and alerted emergency services.
Returning to the show, Lorraine was asked by Dr Amir Khan how she was doing. She replied: “I’m ok and everybody’s messages and cards, you’ve all been so kind. … Anybody who’s been there knows how tough it is but it really does help, you really do see the kindness in people.” When Dr Khan said the team had been “worried”, she reassured him: “I’m ok, I’m ok. Small steps and we’ll get there.”
In an earlier Instagram tribute, Lorraine wrote that her father taught her “to always be curious and interested in everything”. She added: “He was in poor health but it has still been a shock. … Our priority is taking care of my mum and the family would very much appreciate privacy at this distressing time.”
In 2021, Lorraine told the Mirror that her father had suffered heart failure and the family feared they would “lose him”. She said he had rallied and recovered from that scare.
