Beloved daytime television presenter Lorraine Kelly, renowned for her cosy celebrity interviews, is embarking on a new broadcasting chapter with a debut on BBC Radio 2 this festive season.
The seasoned host, often dubbed the 'sofa queen', will be stepping into Jeremy Vine's coveted slot during the Christmas period, marking a significant addition to her illustrious career.
A New Role Amidst ITV Schedule Changes
This exciting move to radio comes during a period of substantial change for Kelly's primary television programme. Earlier this year, ITV executives informed the 65-year-old presenter that her weekday show, 'Lorraine', would undergo a major shake-up.
The programme, which currently airs from 9am to 10am, is set to be broadcast for just 30 weeks out of the year. Furthermore, its running time is being dramatically reduced, halved from a full hour to just 30 minutes.
Celebrating a Milestone and Exploring New Avenues
This news stands in contrast to the celebrations of just last year, when the Glasgow-born star marked her 40th anniversary in television with a special episode. Kelly has been the face of the 'Lorraine' programme since 2010, having first appeared on screens as TV-am's Scotland Correspondent back in 1984.
Demonstrating her adaptability, Kelly has already begun diversifying her portfolio beyond ITV. She has signed up with Channel 4 for a new travel series, Lorraine Kelly's Norwegian Odyssey, which is scheduled to air on the channel next year.
Her reduced presence on her own ITV show has not gone unnoticed. The X account 'Where is Lorraine?' publicly claimed that Kelly had only hosted 60% of the 'Lorraine' shows in 2024, highlighting viewer scrutiny over her schedule.
A Festive Line-Up on BBC Radio 2
Kelly's Radio 2 debut is part of the BBC's broader Christmas Day schedule, which promises a rich mix of entertainment. The line-up also includes specials presented by Jane McDonald and Trevor Nelson, the latter celebrating the music of the legendary Stevie Wonder.
Kate Phillips, the BBC's chief content officer, commented on the festive offerings, stating: 'Christmas on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds is all about bringing people together through the power of audio. This year, we’re offering listeners an extraordinary mix of music, drama, comedy and conversation - from festive favourites to brand-new specials.'
As one of television's most enduring staples, Lorraine Kelly's move to radio signals an exciting new phase for the presenter, even as her flagship TV show navigates a period of significant transformation.
