In Brief (TL;DR)
Beloved presenter Lorraine Kelly made an emotional return to television today following the heartbreaking loss of her father, John.
The star expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support received from colleagues and fans during her time of mourning.
Tributes poured in for her father, whom she credited with inspiring her curiosity and shaping her career through early encouragement.
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Beloved television presenter Lorraine Kelly has made a brave and emotional return to our screens today, Monday, January 19, 2026, following the heartbreaking loss of her father, John Kelly. The queen of daytime TV was welcomed back with open arms by colleagues and fans alike, marking a poignant moment in the world of entertainment. After a week of mourning away from the spotlight, Lorraine is back doing what she does best, buoyed by an incredible wave of support from fellow celebrities and her loyal audience.
The Scottish star had been absent from her self-titled ITV show since the tragic news broke earlier this month. Her return this morning was met with touching messages of solidarity, proving once again why she is one of the most cherished figures in British broadcasting. As she resumed her hosting duties, the atmosphere was one of celebration for her father’s life and admiration for her resilience, with viewers tuning in across the nation via traditional broadcast and streaming platforms to see her back in her rightful place.
A Heartfelt Return to the Screen
Lorraine’s comeback today was marked by a touching exchange with Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls. According to The Mirror, Susanna welcomed her back warmly, saying, "Good morning to you, and obviously, all our love for you because of the loss of your lovely dad." Lorraine, displaying her trademark grace, responded with gratitude, thanking everyone for their "very kind messages" and reassuring viewers that she is "doing okay" despite the difficult times.
During her absence, the show was capably helmed by Christine Lampard, who kept the seat warm while Lorraine took necessary time with her family. The transition back to her role today highlights the close-knit nature of the ITV family, where support networks are as strong off-camera as they appear on-camera. Fans of her daily TV shows took to social media to express their delight at seeing her return, sending thousands of messages that trended throughout the morning.
Remembering John Kelly
The sad news of John Kelly’s passing was first revealed by Lorraine on January 10. According to The Scottish Sun, the 84-year-old passed away near his home in East Kilbride. Reports indicate he was found injured on an icy path early on a Saturday morning, a tragic accident attributed to the freezing temperatures affecting the region. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
Lorraine paid a beautiful and enthusiastic tribute to her father’s character on Instagram, painting a picture of a man who deeply inspired her curiosity and career. "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," she wrote. Her words resonated deeply with fans, many of whom know that her passion for storytelling and movies likely stems from these early formative experiences with her dad.
Celebrity Tributes and Support
The outpouring of love for Lorraine and her family has been nothing short of spectacular. The London Evening Standard reported that a host of stars rushed to offer their condolences. Fellow presenter Gabby Logan, who recently suffered her own loss, shared a moving message, while comedian Dawn French and The One Show‘s Matt Baker also sent their love. The solidarity shown by the entertainment community highlights just how respected Lorraine is within the industry.
This collective embrace has undoubtedly helped the presenter during this challenging period. Lorraine has always been a champion for others, often discussing the latest movies and interviewing the biggest stars, and now the kindness she has shown over decades is being returned to her tenfold. Her ability to share such a personal loss with the public while maintaining her professional composure is a testament to her strength.
Conclusion
As Lorraine Kelly resumes her place on our televisions, the support from her fans and peers serves as a powerful reminder of her impact on the nation. While the loss of her father John is a profound tragedy, the celebration of his influence on her life—from buying that first telescope to encouraging her boundless curiosity—offers a silver lining. We look forward to seeing Lorraine continue to shine, bringing her unique warmth and energy to our mornings, carrying her father’s legacy with her in every broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
The beloved presenter took a break from her hosting duties to mourn the heartbreaking loss of her father John Kelly. She spent a week away from the spotlight to be with her family before making a brave return to television on January 19.
John Kelly passed away at the age of 84 following a tragic accident near his home in East Kilbride. Reports indicate that he was found injured on an icy path during freezing temperatures and sadly died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
Lorraine shared a touching homage on Instagram where she credited her father for inspiring her lifelong curiosity. She fondly remembered him buying her a telescope when she was five years old and watching the moon landings together which helped shape her future career.
Fellow presenter Christine Lampard stepped in to host the show while Lorraine took necessary time off. Upon her return, Lorraine was welcomed back by colleagues like Susanna Reid and Ed Balls who expressed deep solidarity and support on behalf of the ITV family.
Sources and Further Reading
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