In an emotional health update shared with her followers, beloved Scottish television presenter Lorraine Kelly has confirmed she will be absent from our screens for a significant period of seven weeks. The 66-year-old host, who fronts her own self-titled ITV show, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her loyal fans for "sticking with her" through recent changes and health challenges.
Health Concerns and Fan Support
Lorraine Kelly was notably missing from Thursday and Friday's instalments of her programme, which typically airs between 9:30am and 10:00am on ITV. Her absence last week sparked considerable concern among viewers, with many fans urging her to prioritise rest and recovery. This led to temporary replacements by fellow presenters Ben Shephard and Christine Lampard.
On Monday morning, Kelly took to her Instagram account to provide a personal update to her 591,000 followers. Appearing makeup-free in the video, she conveyed: "Hi there. Just want to say thanks for the get well wishes. I am feeling a whole lot better. But this has been a bad lurgy. If you're going through it yourself, you have my sympathy. It's a tough one. But I am getting there."
Schedule Changes and Extended Break
Kelly clarified that her extended absence is not solely due to health reasons but is also connected to structural changes within the show's broadcasting schedule. "I will be off for a good few weeks. Not because I am not well, but because of course the changes to the show," she explained. "We now do 30 weeks a year. So I won't see you for a wee while, but I want to thank you for sticking with me through all the changes."
She emphasised her appreciation for her audience, stating: "I hope to see you when I am back on air. I never take it for granted and I really, really, really appreciate you tuning in. Thanks so so much." In the caption accompanying her Instagram post, Kelly added: "THANK YOU for sticking with me through all of the changes to the show and for your kind messages. I will be back soon and really looking forward to your company."
Industry Colleagues Show Support
The comments section of Kelly's post quickly filled with messages of support from both fans and fellow television personalities. Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden wrote: "Sending all the love lovely lady @lorraine missed you this morning xxxx." Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid added: "Get well soon @lorrainekellysmith and loads of love."
Other notable figures offering well-wishes included:
- Kate Robbins: "Get well soon, you’re nearly there! #lurgyhatred!"
- Doctor Amir Khan: "We love you and hope you feel better xx."
- GMB's Charlotte Hawkins: "Hope you’re feeling better soon! Sending love."
ITV Schedule Shake-up Details
The announcement follows viewer surprise on Friday, 6th March 2026, when it was revealed that both Lorraine and Loose Women would be temporarily pulled from air for several weeks as part of a broader schedule restructuring. Typically, ITV's weekday morning lineup consists of Good Morning Britain, followed by Lorraine, This Morning, and then Loose Women.
However, beginning Monday, 9th March 2026, the schedule underwent significant alterations. Good Morning Britain now airs continuously from 6:00am through to 10:00am, with This Morning following immediately from 10:00am until 12:30pm. This adjustment means that Lorraine's usual 9:30am-10:00am slot and Loose Women's regular 12:30pm-1:30pm broadcast are temporarily suspended.
Step-in host Christine Lampard informed viewers: "That's all for today, Lorraine will be back in a few weeks time. Have a lovely weekend, we'll see you soon!" Similarly, at the conclusion of Friday's Loose Women episode, anchor Kaye Adams stated: "It's your last Loose Women for a few weeks. But we will be back next month! Until then, take care. Have a fabulous weekend and Easter, and we'll see you very soon!"
Background of Programming Changes
These temporary suspensions are part of longer-term adjustments within ITV's daytime programming strategy. Back in May of last year, it was disclosed that both Lorraine and Loose Women were scheduled to be off air for approximately half the year. Additionally, Lorraine's runtime has been reduced by 30 minutes, as ITV Daytime executives implemented substantial cuts resulting in over 220 job losses.
Host Lorraine Kelly has been particularly affected by these changes, with Good Morning Britain now occupying her traditional 9:00am-10:00am slot for 22 weeks annually. For the remaining 30 weeks of the year, Kelly will present her show five days per week, rendering her previous Friday stand-in presenters Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard unnecessary under the new arrangement.
It was further revealed that Lorraine's programme would be halved in duration, now running for just 30 minutes from 9:30am to 10:00am during its broadcast periods. These structural modifications represent a significant shift in ITV's morning television landscape, with Kelly's current seven-week absence marking a notable implementation of these revised scheduling plans.
