“Channel 4 thrilled to sign Lorraine” – ITV viewers Stunned as her career’s final Stop turns out to be a Rival?
Lorraine Kelly is reported to be filming a a big-budget travel series for Channel 4 as her long-term ITV daytime show faces cutbacks.
Her major new deal comes after ITV makes cash-saving cuts to daytime programmes including her self-titled show, Lorraine, which runs on the channel weekdays from 9am. The Scottish presenter’s year-round hour-long show will be reduced to just 30 weeks of 30-minute slots as part of the changes.
Lorraine – who has worked for ITV since 1984, including GMTV with Eamonn Holmes – flew to Norway last month for the secret project, reports The Sun
A source said: “Channel 4 were delighted to have Lorraine on board. It was exciting for Lorraine to do something different and be on location again.”
Lorraine Kelly’s ITV show is facing cuts (Image: ITV)
They continued: “Despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake up, Lorraine’s loyal fanbase isn’t to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes. She’s survived in this business a long time and she’s a master at rolling with the punches.”
Channel 4 has been approached by the Daily Express for comment.
The switch by Lorraine, 65, comes after the job of Head of Lorraine was axed, with her two producers now reporting to This Morning bosses.
The source added: “This latest shake-up and slimming-down of Lorraine’s dedicated team casts further doubt on the long-term future of the show after her contract finishes next year. She’s opening her eyes up to the many options available to her.”
A disappointed Lorraine show source said: “Amid these changes the team have been gutted. They can’t understand why ITV would want to dismantle such a successful rating-busting programme. It’s a great shame.”
Lorraine has been a familiar face on ITV for decades (Image: ITV)
Lorraine, who is a regular guest on Channel 4’s comedy panel show The Last Leg, revealed last month that she relishes broadening her horizons.
Speaking to chef Tom Kerridge on the Proper Tasty podcast, she said: “Forty years in TV last year was incredible. I got a Bafta. ‘Here’s a Bafta for being alive’.
“I thought, ‘Hang on a minute, I’m not done yet’. I think now I can be a lot cheekier. I’ve always been a bit naughty. Not so much in the morning but if I do a wee show on Channel 4, or The Last Leg, or something like that, you can be unleashed. I quite like that.”
ITV said: “We have always said that from January 2026, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will be three editorially distinct shows which will be produced by one team.
“These changes are not about the performance of the shows or the staff. We can assure our viewers that their favourite daytime shows will remain familiar to them on screen.”
