Veteran broadcaster Lorraine Kelly has broken her silence on significant cuts to her long-running ITV daytime show, admitting the news did not come as a surprise. The changes, set to take effect from January 2026, will see 'Lorraine' reduced to a 30-week annual run and its duration halved to just thirty minutes.
Industry-Wide Changes Prompt Schedule Shake-Up
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, the 66-year-old TV legend confirmed the major alterations to her programme. From January 2026, 'Lorraine' will air for only 30 weeks each year, a move mirrored by fellow ITV stalwart 'Loose Women'. Both shows will also be trimmed from a full hour to a thirty-minute format.
Kelly was pragmatic about the decision, framing it within the broader context of the broadcasting industry. "Not really," she replied when asked if the news shocked her. "I mean it's... it's kind of indicative of the whole industry, really. I'm just glad that we're still there."
'It Wasn't My Decision' – Presenter Focuses on Team's Future
Emphatically stating that the move "wasn't a decision that I made," Kelly's primary relief centred on her production team. She revealed that many crew members have secured positions on ITV's 'This Morning', ensuring their continued employment with the broadcaster. "We've still managed to save some jobs," she noted, highlighting a positive outcome from the restructuring.
Despite the scaled-back schedule, Kelly expressed profound gratitude for her ongoing role. "I just feel lucky to still be doing what I love to do," she said, promising fans that the show's beloved regulars will remain. She confirmed that contributors like Dr Hilary Jones, Dr Amir Khan, Mark Heyes, and Ross King will all continue to appear.
Looking Ahead: New Projects and Family Focus
Beyond her ITV show, Kelly has a busy slate of projects. She is preparing a Christmas special for her chat show and will guest host on BBC Radio Two early next year. She is also set to film a new documentary in Norway.
However, her central focus remains firmly on family, particularly her granddaughter Billie, born to her daughter Rosie in August 2024. "The main thing is Billie," she stated, playfully acknowledging that her own New Year's resolutions for self-care often fall by the wayside due to her busy life.
Kelly and her daughter have also partnered with telecoms provider EE to discuss how technology connects families during the festive season. This follows research suggesting over three-quarters of Brits juggle multiple Christmas celebrations. Kelly emphasised the importance of reliable video calls to connect with distant relatives, like her brother in Singapore.
Reflecting on her decades-long career and the latest "regime change," Kelly concluded with characteristic optimism: "I've been through many a regime change. So it's just another one... We'll still be there and it will still be really good fun."
