ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly has made an emotional return to her morning show, just over a week after the tragic death of her father, John Kelly.
An Emotional Return to the Studio
On Monday 19 January 2026, Lorraine was back at the helm of her self-titled programme for the first time since announcing her father's passing. The 66-year-old broadcaster had taken time away following the devastating news, which she shared with fans on Saturday 10 January.
Her colleague, Dr Amir Khan, began their segment on a new finger-prick blood test for Alzheimer's disease by offering his condolences. "Before that, I wanted to say Lorraine, how sorry I am about your dad," he said warmly.
Lorraine, visibly moved, replied: "Aw Amir, thank you." When asked how she was coping, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of public support. "I'm okay. I'll tell you what, everybody's messages, cards, you know, you've all been so kind," she said. "Everybody here, of course, it is like a family, have been amazing, you just have to go through the process."
Details of a Tragic Accident
The cause of John Kelly's death has been revealed as a tragic accident. The 84-year-old was found injured on an icy path near St Leonard's Square in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, at around 7am on Saturday 10 January.
Police Scotland confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, with a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. It is understood that staff from a nearby Tesco store discovered him and called emergency services.
The incident occurred amid freezing temperatures, with the Met Office having issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across Scotland. Local residents described the area as treacherous in the cold conditions.
Colleagues Rally with Support
During Lorraine's absence, her show was presented by Christine Lampard. On the Monday prior, Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls sent their love live on air. "We want to send our condolences to Lorraine, because of course, she tragically lost her father in the last couple of days," Susanna said.
Upon Lorraine's return, Susanna again addressed her directly on GMB: "Good morning to you. Obviously, all our love for you Lorraine because of the loss of your lovely daddy." Lorraine thanked her, saying, "I really appreciate that, thank you so so much."
In her original emotional tribute posted on social media, Lorraine remembered her father as the man who bought her a telescope at age five and fostered her lifelong curiosity. She noted he had been in poor health, but his passing was still a shock. She asked for privacy for her mother, Anne, brother, Graham, and the wider family.
John Kelly, a former TV service engineer, was married to Anne for over 65 years. The family's journey from a single room in Glasgow's Gorbals to East Kilbride was a testament to his "sheer hard graft," as Lorraine has previously described. The presenter had spoken openly in the past about her fears of losing him after he battled a major infection and heart failure in 2021.
Messages of condolence flooded in from friends and famous faces, including Vanessa Feltz, Charlotte Hawkins, Dawn French, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Dr Amir Khan himself.
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9:30am on ITV1 and ITVX.
