Beloved ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly has made an emotional return to her morning show, fighting back tears as she spoke publicly for the first time since the tragic death of her father.
An Emotional Return to the Screen
Lorraine Kelly appeared on her ITV programme on 19 January 2026, marking her first broadcast since her father, John Kelly, passed away earlier in the month. Visibly moved, she described the past period as "tough" while thanking co-stars and viewers for their overwhelming kindness.
When asked by show regular Dr. Amir Khan how she was coping, Lorraine responded, "I'm ok and everybody's messages and cards, you've all been so kind." She emphasised the support from her TV "family," stating, "You just have to go through the process. Anybody who's been there knows how tough it is but it really does help, you really do see the kindness in people."
The Tragic Incident in East Kilbride
The presenter had announced her father's death on 10 January. John Kelly, aged 84, died after being found injured on an icy path in East Kilbride on a Saturday morning. It is understood that staff from a nearby Tesco store discovered the great-grandfather around 7am and alerted emergency services. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Lorraine remembered her dad as the man who inspired her curiosity. "My dad has died," she wrote. "I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything."
A History of Health Concerns and a Plea for Privacy
Lorraine had previously opened up about her father's frail health. In a 2021 interview, she revealed the family feared they would "lose him" after he suffered heart failure. "It was just awful – but he was amazing, he rallied," she said at the time, also detailing a major lung infection that was initially mistaken for cancer.
In her social media post, she noted her father had been in poor health, but said his passing was "still been a shock." She asked for privacy for the family, stating, "Our priority is taking care of my mum and the family would very much appreciate privacy at this distressing time."
Back in the studio, as a concerned Dr. Amir said the team had been "worried" about her, Lorraine offered reassurance. "I'm ok, I'm ok," she said. "Small steps and we'll get there." Her brave return and candid discussion about grief have resonated deeply with her audience, highlighting the universal challenge of navigating personal loss.
