Lorraine Kelly has long been regarded as one of ITV’s most recognisable daytime stars. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has become a fixture of breakfast television and built a loyal audience numbering in the millions.
However, reports suggest the BBC is preparing a move to lure the Scottish presenter away from ITV as competition between the two broadcasters intensifies.
Sources within the BBC claim executives are developing potential projects for the 66-year-old presenter, recognising her enduring popularity with viewers. According to insiders, several ideas are currently being explored, with some described as particularly promising.
The reported interest follows ITV’s major daytime restructuring announced ten months ago as part of a cost-cutting programme.
The changes included significant staff redundancies and reductions to Kelly’s programme, Lorraine, which was cut from a one-hour format to 30 minutes and reduced from a year-round schedule to just 30 weeks annually.
The decision reportedly left Kelly deeply frustrated and fuelled speculation that she may choose not to renew her contract with ITV.
A BBC insider said there is considerable enthusiasm among development teams about the prospect of working with Kelly. After more than 40 years of loyalty to ITV, executives reportedly believe the timing is ideal to attract her to the corporation and are preparing a range of programme proposals for her consideration.
The source added that joining the BBC would represent a significant response to ITV’s treatment of her programme. They also highlighted Kelly’s broad appeal, noting that her relatable personality and connection with viewers make her an attractive prospect for BBC audiences.
Kelly began her ITV career in 1984 on TV-am before becoming one of the original presenters of GMTV in 1993. She later fronted her own programme, initially titled LK Today.
Despite Lorraine consistently attracting some of the strongest ratings in ITV’s daytime schedule, the show was among those affected by last year’s cuts. While Good Morning Britain received an extended broadcast slot and This Morning retained its schedule, Kelly’s programme saw substantial reductions.
Reports have also suggested frustration over the fact that Lorraine does not have its own dedicated editor, although some colleagues have previously criticised Kelly’s management style, describing her as demanding.
One ITV source said Kelly was particularly upset by the downsizing of both her programme and its production team, arguing that the cuts were difficult to justify given the show’s strong audience figures. The source suggested that with the BBC now expressing interest, her future at ITV appears increasingly uncertain and that a move would rank among the most significant presenter departures from ITV to the BBC in recent years.
The BBC has already attempted to strengthen its daytime offering through Morning Live, launched in 2020 and hosted by Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones. ITV veteran Penny Smith recently appeared on the programme and was reportedly well received by viewers, further encouraging the broadcaster’s daytime ambitions.
