VIEWERS BAFFLED: Lorraine Kelly confuses viewers as she breaks ITV Friday tradition and welcomes co-host
Viewers of Lorraine were in for a surprise on Friday morning as they discovered Lorraine Kelly hosting the edition of her ITV programme – and she was joined by a new co-host.
Defying the norm, the television favourite, who typically takes Fridays off, kicked off the show by introducing her day’s sidekick: her granddaughter Billie. Nearly a year has passed since Lorraine’s daughter Rosie gave birth, and the daytime TV icon shared updates with her audience, mentioning that Billie now boasts “two little teeth” and, while not yet crawling, is making strides towards standing.
While attempting to engage with Mark Heyes about his recent appearance on The Weakest Link and transitioning into a segment about holiday packing, baby Billie stole the spotlight with her bubbly gurgles and animated toy-waving. A humorous moment ensued when Mark pointed out a smudge of red lipstick on Billie’s forehead, prompting Lorraine to confess: “That’s me, I can’t stop kissing her.”
Billie’s gleeful shriek upon receiving a book from Lorraine was met with such admiration that she humorously suggested another guest appearance for her, quipping: “Do you want to come on and do fashion? Or should we talk about the Middle East? Because you could probably solve it better than the rest of them! Okay, I will leave you with your book about Mr Astronaut.”
Lorraine’s fresh co-presenter certainly caught viewers’ attention, though many were taken aback to see her appearing on a Friday, given that typically Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard have previously filled in for her, reports the Mirror.
One asked: “How come she’s in on a Friday. Is it end of term party?” Another said: ” Lorraine is hosting her own show — on a Friday.”
Of her co-host, one viewer quipped: “Wait till she smacks granny in the face with her toy,” whilst another was swift to dub the little one as Lorraine’s “new intern” on the programme.
Another remarked: “Bring a baby to work day on Lorraine today I see!” whilst another fan wondered whether the baby had a “choice on whether they wanted to be on national TV” initially.
One viewer was particularly harsh, commenting: “How unprofessional being the child into the studio. He was discussing packing etc. you showed no interest. I was cringing for the poor guy.”
During the programme’s later fashion segment, Billie rejoined Lorraine, modelling a romper and appearing completely at ease on her grandmother’s show set.
At one moment, she let out a giggle as Lorraine bounced her gently before spending the remainder of the segment peacefully perched on her grandma’s lap.
However, this wasn’t Billie’s first on-air appearance with Lorraine, having previously featured during a Christmas special at just two months old.
Her television debut occurred mere weeks following her birth, when Lorraine proudly presented the baby girl to her millions of viewers with a brief cameo in October 2024. Lorraine shares a daughter, Rosie, with her husband Steve Smith, while Rosie has welcomed little Billie with her partner, who coincidentally bears the same name Steve.
The 30-year-old has carved out her own path in media, collaborating with her mother on their What If? podcast where they’ve chatted with numerous celebrities.
Last September, Lorraine expressed her delight at becoming a grandmother for the first time following Rosie’s delivery.
The former Masked Singer participant took to Instagram to share her excitement with followers, penning: “I have been BURSTING to share this wonderful news with you! Baby Billie is an angel and I’m so proud of @rosiekellysmith and @stevewhite94 who will be the best parents. I’m delighted to be Granny Smith and can’t wait to go on adventures. #love #joy #happiness #family.”
She added: “Posted with @withregram @rosiekellysmith Baby Billie Kelly Smith-White is here 29-08-2024. It feels like she’s been here the whole time and we’re not quite sure what the point of anything was before.
“I’d heard how amazing midwives are, but they are genuinely walking angels – she’s been welcomed into the world with so much love already.”
Throughout her pregnancy, Lorraine praised Rosie’s preparedness, sharing with her followers: “She’s so organised and we all can’t wait to meet the new baby girl (I may or may not have a bought a few wee bits of clothes for her) [laughing emoji] I think granny is going to be my favourite title of all time #baby #happy #excited #notlongnow #love #family.”
