After more than 40 years as a morning TV stalwart, Lorraine Kelly could be about to switch sides. The 66-year-old broadcasting icon, whose beloved show on ITV has been slashed from an hour to just 30 minutes and now airs only 30 weeks a year, is reportedly being wooed by the BBC with a series of new high-profile projects.
Insiders claim the development teams at the Beeb are buzzing at the thought of bringing Lorraine on board. “She’s stayed loyal to ITV for decades, but the BBC know the timing is perfect,” said a source. “They’re creating a range of shows designed just for her. There’s no better way to make waves than welcoming Lorraine to the BBC.”
ITV staff are said to be bracing themselves for a potential defection. One insider noted, “Lorraine was devastated by the recent cuts. If the BBC steps in, it wouldn’t be a shock to see her move — it would be one of the biggest poaches from ITV in years.”
The Scottish TV favourite has previously expressed her sadness over the seismic cuts at ITV, particularly as long-standing team members lost their jobs. Speaking on Desert Island Discs, Lorraine said, “I was disappointed, of course I was. The thing that has upset me the most is the fact that we’ve got this great team… and obviously, that’s not going to be in place next year because jobs will go. It’s very, very sad.”
For Lorraine, the offer from the BBC could be a chance to chart a bold new chapter — and one that could shake up the UK’s breakfast TV landscape.
