Lorraine Kelly Snubs Her Own Show on First Day Back, Continuing a Trend of Absenteeism
Lorraine Kelly, the beloved host of her namesake ITV morning program, has sparked conversations among fans and media alike after once again being replaced by stand-in presenter Ranvir Singh on the first day back from the holiday break. This comes after a year in which Kelly hosted less than 60% of her own shows, raising eyebrows and prompting speculations about her future involvement with the program.
A Year of Absences
In 2024, Lorraine Kelly, 65, who commands a substantial salary of £568,000 for her role, managed to present only 154 out of 258 episodes of her show—an alarming 59% hosting rate. This decline in appearances has become a talking point, particularly among dedicated viewers who have noted her increasing absence from the show she has helmed since its inception in 2010.
The recent announcement that Ranvir Singh would once again fill in for Kelly was met with mixed reactions from fans. Singh, alongside Christine Lampard, has been a frequent substitute for Kelly, often stepping in for her when she is unavailable. On this particular episode, Singh interviewed radio presenter Adele Roberts, who discussed her new marathon challenge, as well as Vera actor Riley Jones, who talked about the finale of the beloved show.
The Birth of "Where is Lorraine?"
Kelly's repeated absences have inspired the creation of a social media account titled "Where is Lorraine?" This account provides daily updates on who will be hosting the show, often with humorous commentary on Kelly's sporadic appearances. Recently, the account shared a recap of the year, revealing that Kelly had hosted just 59.7% of the episodes throughout 2024, equating to a mere 154 out of 258.
Notably, the account also highlighted that Kelly's longest consecutive hosting streak last year was just eight episodes, from January 2 to January 11. Following that, viewers saw a rotation of substitute hosts, with Christine Lampard stepping in for an impressive 52 episodes, making up 20.2% of the total, and Ranvir Singh covering 49 episodes, or 19%.
Fans Express Concern
The chatter among fans has grown increasingly vocal, with many taking to social media to express their dismay over Kelly's absence. Comments such as “Off to a strong start Lorraine, starting the year as we mean to go on?” and “Gosh, Lorraine has hosted 0% of her show so far this year,” indicate a growing frustration among viewers who have come to expect her presence on the program.
The "Where is Lorraine?" account has also taken on a life of its own, providing updates on Kelly's appearances on other shows while she is absent from her own. This includes "Bonus Lorraine" updates, which highlight moments when she pops up unexpectedly elsewhere, further adding to the intrigue surrounding her fluctuating schedule.
Future of the Show
Despite the ongoing debates about her presence, ITV has confirmed that Lorraine will return to her hosting duties on Monday, much to the relief of her fans. As the new year begins, viewers are left wondering whether Kelly will take a more active role in her show or if 2024 will see a continuation of her trend of being frequently absent.
Kelly's legacy as a daytime television staple is undeniable, but the question remains: will she reclaim her position as the primary host of her show, or will viewers continue to see her replaced by others? As fans eagerly await her return, the future of Lorraine Kelly's hosting role hangs in the balance, with many hoping for more consistent appearances in the months to come.
Conclusion
Lorraine Kelly’s recent absence from her own show has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about her role as the host of the ITV morning program. With a significant portion of the year spent away from the screen, fans and media alike are left speculating about her future. As she prepares to return to hosting duties, viewers are hopeful for a renewed commitment to the show that bears her name, eagerly anticipating her next appearance and the dynamic she will bring to the program.
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