Lorraine Kelly Off Air Indefinitely After Losing Her Voice
London, 9 March 2026 – ITV’s flagship morning programme, *Lorraine*, will be absent from screens for several weeks, with host Lorraine Kelly forced to step down due to a severe loss of voice. The announcement was made by stand-in presenter Christine Lampard, confirming the Scottish broadcaster’s extended absence. The show’s hiatus coincides with a major ITV schedule shake-up, seeing its usual slot temporarily filled by extended coverage of the Cheltenham Festival.
Health Concerns Prompt Extended Break
Concerns for Lorraine Kelly’s health had been mounting among viewers throughout the week. The 66-year-old presenter appeared on air earlier in the week with a noticeably hoarse voice, prompting an on-air health update where she addressed the concerns directly. By Thursday 5 March, her condition had deteriorated to the point where she was “completely unable to speak,” leading to a last-minute replacement by *This Morning*’s Ben Shephard.
Christine Lampard, who presented the show on Friday 6 March, confirmed the extended break to viewers, stating Kelly would be “off air for a few weeks” to recover. Public reaction on social media has been one of concern, with many fans urging the presenter to prioritise her health and rest.
Schedule Shake-Up and Programme Changes
The absence of *Lorraine* is part of a broader, pre-planned change to ITV’s daytime schedule. From Monday 9 March, the programme is not airing at all, with its usual 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM slot being absorbed by an extended *Good Morning Britain*. This change is expected to last for several weeks.
This follows a major restructuring announced by ITV in May 2025. Since January 2026, *Lorraine* has been reduced from a one-hour format to a 30-minute show and now airs for only 30 weeks per year. The current break aligns with this new annual schedule.
Key Facts: The *Lorraine* Absence
The situation involves a combination of immediate health issues and longer-term scheduling decisions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Reason for Absence | Lorraine Kelly has lost her voice and requires an extended period of rest to recover. |
| Who Confirmed the Break | Christine Lampard announced the “few weeks” absence live on air on 6 March 2026. |
| Immediate Replacement | Ben Shephard (Thursday 5 March) and Christine Lampard (Friday 6 March). |
| Current Schedule (w/c 9 March) | *Lorraine* is off air. *Good Morning Britain* is extended to fill the 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM slot. |
| Long-Term Schedule Change | Since January 2026, *Lorraine* airs for 30 mins (9:30 AM – 10:00 AM) and only 30 weeks per year. |
| Programme Background | Launched 6 September 2010. Presented by Lorraine Kelly since inception. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lorraine Kelly not on TV today?
Lorraine Kelly is not on TV because she has lost her voice and is taking a medically advised break for several weeks to recover. Furthermore, her programme, *Lorraine*, is currently off air as part of a pre-planned ITV schedule change.
Who is replacing Lorraine Kelly?
During her unexpected absence last week, she was replaced by Ben Shephard and Christine Lampard. However, for the week commencing 9 March 2026, the *Lorraine* programme itself is not airing. Its timeslot is being filled by an extended *Good Morning Britain*.
When will *Lorraine* be back on TV?
An exact return date has not been specified. Christine Lampard stated Lorraine Kelly would be off air “for a few weeks.” The programme’s return will also depend on ITV’s revised annual schedule, which now includes extended breaks.
Is this related to the recent ITV changes?
Yes. While the immediate cause is Kelly’s health, the extended break aligns with ITV’s new strategy for the show. Announced in May 2025, *Lorraine* now broadcasts for just 30 weeks per year in a reduced 30-minute format, making such extended absences part of the planned schedule.