Lorraine Kelly was unable to host her ITV programme on Monday morning (November 9) after being stuck in traffic for around an hour and a half. Loose Women favourite Christine Lampard stepped in to replace her, after Kelly could not reach the studio due to a motorway accident.
Kelly confirmed the last-minute change on Instagram shortly before Lampard appeared on air. Addressing viewers from the rear seat of a car, she said: "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."
Kelly apologises to viewers after M40 closure
She continued: "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." 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 post's caption 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!"
Fans react to last-minute presenter change
Kelly later spoke to Lampard over the phone on air, thanking her colleague for stepping in. Viewers quickly expressed their disappointment at the change. One commented on Instagram: "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 added: "The fog is terrible today in London. Stay safe," while a third remarked: "Oh bless you Lorraine. These things happen. I've been there. Go home, cuddle up with a throw and read a book." A fourth wrote: "Oh that's horrible when that happens, sorry you missed your show. Hopefully everyone involved was ok," and a fifth supporter said: "At least you are ok and hopefully no one was hurt. Will be watching tomorrow."
Second ITV disruption in a week
The disruption comes days after Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women were all forced off air following a power cut at ITV's Covent Garden studios. Kelly turned to Instagram to announce that her show would not broadcast last week, explaining in a clip: "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 added: "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 confirmed: "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.
