Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has candidly revealed she was left feeling "terrified" after being dismissed from her main presenting role on GMTV just weeks after giving birth to her daughter Rosie. The 66-year-old host of ITV's long-running daytime show Lorraine shared this emotional story during an appearance on the Daily Mail's Life of Bryony podcast, where she was joined by her daughter Rosie Kelly Smith, now 31, to promote Rosie's debut book on motherhood, Mother to Mother.
The Shocking Dismissal in 1994
Lorraine Kelly explained that in 1994, she was let go from GMTV—the predecessor to ITV's current breakfast programming, which launched in 1993 and was axed in 2010—after the station received complaints from viewers about her being visibly pregnant on screen. Reflecting on the era, she noted a stark contrast in attitudes towards pregnancy and maternity leave compared to today. "The change of attitude has been extraordinary," Lorraine told columnist Bryony Gordon. "When I was pregnant in 1994, being visibly pregnant on TV was still frowned upon in certain quarters. We got complaints from viewers."
A Brutal Blow to a New Mother
After giving birth to Rosie in June 1994, Lorraine anticipated returning to work in September, expecting only a couple of months off. However, she received a devastating phone call informing her that GMTV was "going to try someone else out." She described the television industry as "brutal," highlighting her vulnerability as a freelancer with limited rights. "I didn't have a leg to stand on because I was a freelancer, you have got no rights," she admitted. "I was absolutely terrified. Rosie was only about a month old. We had this tiny little person - massive responsibility. We had just moved south and taken on a massive mortgage."
An Unexpected Comeback
Amusingly, Lorraine's return to GMTV was facilitated by her status as a new mother. A baby food brand offered to sponsor the station but only if Lorraine resumed her hosting duties. By January 1995, this led to her being awarded her own show, marking the beginning of a 30-year uninterrupted reign on morning television. "It worked out really well in the end," she reflected. "But honestly, I was so scared."
Lessons Learned and Lasting Impact
Lorraine emphasized that such a dismissal would be less likely today, acknowledging she was effectively sacked as her contract was not renewed. This experience has shaped her career philosophy, making her never take opportunities for granted. "It has made me never take anything for granted," she said. "I have always had something else - a column, a radio show, writing books. I have never relied on TV because the easiest thing you can do to change up a show is change the cushions and change the presenter. I am very aware of that and that's why I don't take anything for granted."
On the longevity of her ITV show, Lorraine credited the diversity of her guests and her steadfast rule of treating every interviewee equally. "It should always be about the person you're interviewing," she added, subtly critiquing other presenters who may not adhere to this principle. "There are some presenters where that's not true. We all know who they are."
Listeners can hear the full exclusive interview with Lorraine and daughter Rosie by searching for The Life of Bryony podcast on platforms like Apple and Spotify, where they discuss these generational shifts in motherhood and media.
