In a surprising career move, beloved ITV daytime presenter Lorraine Kelly is joining the ranks of the BBC for the festive season. The 65-year-old broadcaster is set to make her Radio 2 debut, a significant shift as she temporarily leaves her ITV home for the rival network.
A Festive Schedule Packed with Stars
The BBC has unveiled its extensive Christmas radio line-up, with Lorraine Kelly's new job being a standout announcement. She will be stepping into Jeremy Vine's coveted midday slot during the Christmas period. Her show will also pay tribute to the legendary late DJ Johnnie Walker.
This exciting development for Kelly comes hot on the heels of her being backed by Ant and Dec in the I'm A Celebrity jungle and amidst wider ITV daytime cutbacks announced in May. These cuts will see her own ITV show reduced to 30 weeks a year and its runtime halved from an hour to just 30 minutes.
What's On Across the BBC Radio Network
The festive programming extends far beyond Radio 2, offering a rich tapestry of entertainment. Over on Radio 2, Jane McDonald and Trevor Nelson will host a special celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder on Christmas Day.
Radio 4 listeners can look forward to a festive special of Desert Island Discs with Kate Winslet, celebrations for 75 years of The Archers, and a Christmas Day service from Leeds Cathedral. The station will also broadcast a new adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse's Joy In The Morning and a performance of T.S. Eliot's Murder In The Cathedral.
Other highlights across the network include:
- Radio 1: The exclusive reveal of the official Christmas number one and a presenter takeover.
- Radio 3: Carols Across The Country and an Advent service marking Sir John Rutter's 80th birthday.
- Radio 5 Live: Live sport and specials from Elis and John, Roman Kemp, and Wayne Rooney.
- Radio 6 Music: Jarvis Cocker and Bill Nighy sitting in for Iggy Pop, and shows from Beth Ditto and Craig Charles.
Kate Phillips, BBC chief content officer, said the Christmas schedule is designed to bring people together through audio, offering an extraordinary mix of music, drama, comedy, and conversation.
Lorraine Kelly's Future on Television
Despite the changes to her ITV schedule, Kelly has signalled her intention to continue her television career with vigour. In a June interview, reflecting on receiving a BAFTA for her 40 years in TV, she quipped, "I thought, 'Hang on a minute, I'm not done yet.' I think now I can be a lot cheekier."
The full detailed radio schedule will be available on the BBC website, with the festive TV schedule also expected to be announced this week.
