Lorraine Kelly was unable to present her ITV programme on Monday morning after being held up in traffic on the M40 for about an hour and a half. Christine Lampard stepped in to host the show in her place.
In a video shared from the rear seat of a vehicle, Kelly told followers on Instagram: "Hi everyone, it's Monday morning and I've been stuck in traffic for about an hour and a half, trying to get into work. I think there's been a wee accident, and I'm hoping that everybody's okay. It's starting to move now, but I don't think I'm going to make it. I honestly don't."
Apology to viewers
Glancing at her watch, she added: "What time is it? No, not looking good for me to make it. So sorry I won't see you today, but I'll definitely see you tomorrow."
The caption on her post read: "I've actually had genuine nightmares about not being able to get to my work - today it was true. Sadly an accident on the M40 shut the motorway and I was stuck for an hour and a half. All OK now and hopefully no injuries - but live TV means you can't be late. See you tomorrow - so sorry!"
Viewer reactions
Audiences responded with sympathy in the comments. One person wrote: "Oh no, love you on the telly Lorraine. Not a great start to the week. Hope everyone was ok. Things can only get better." Another commented: "The fog is terrible today in London. Stay safe," while a third said: "Oh bless you Lorraine. These things happen. I've been there. Go home, cuddle up with a throw and read a book."
A further follower posted: "Oh that's horrible when that happens, sorry you missed your show. Hopefully everyone involved was ok," and a fifth supporter shared: "At least you are ok and hopefully no one was hurt. Will be watching tomorrow."
Recent studio power cut
The disruption comes days after Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women were all taken off air because of a power cut at ITV's Covent Garden studio. Kelly announced the cancellation on Instagram last week.
In a video clip, she said: "Hello there! I'm on my way to work, but there's been a bit of a hoo-ha. There is a power outage at the studio, so my show won't be on today. But you can still watch GMB, and they're going to fix it around about 11 o'clock ish."
She continued: "So, it's a bit of a shame. I was really looking forward to talking to Sharleen Spiteri from Texas, but we shall reschedule, and all will be fine. And I will see you tomorrow. Okay, bye!"
An ITV statement said: "Following a power cut overnight in the wider area where our Covent Garden studio is based, we are unable to broadcast Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women live today. We will return to our normal schedule as soon as possible."
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1 at 9.30am.
