Lorraine Kelly has spoken candidly about the pressures of her on-screen persona, following a tax case ruling that described her as an 'actress' on air. The ITV presenter, who has been a staple of British breakfast television for 35 years, acknowledged that she sometimes feels less than cheerful but maintains a professional front. 'There are days that I go into work and I don't feel 100% but I'm not going to sit there and go 'poor me',' she told the BBC.
Kelly, who turns 60 next month, has received lifetime achievement awards this year from the Tric Awards and the TV Choice Awards. Despite her success, she admits to ongoing imposter syndrome, recalling how a senior media figure once told her that her Glasgow accent would prevent her from succeeding as a presenter. 'I don't think that ever really leaves you,' she said.
The broadcaster also reflected on being replaced on GMTV while on maternity leave, which left her unemployed. However, a baby food manufacturer specifically requested her to host a new mother-and-baby segment, leading to her own daily programme. She has since navigated 'many regime changes' as the show evolved from Top of the Morning to GMTV With Lorraine and now simply Lorraine.
Kelly highlighted the show's pioneering coverage of LGBT rights and the Aids epidemic in the 1990s, as well as its focus on serious health issues. She also commented on the combative style of Good Morning Britain's Piers Morgan, calling him a 'divisive figure' but adding that she sometimes finds him hilarious. 'I always think people should be allowed to express their opinion,' she said.
