Lorraine Kelly replacement revealed as former Strictly star set to guest host ITV show for the first time this summer
A STRICTLY Come Dancing star and all-around telly favourite has been lined up to guest-host the Lorraine show.
Regular ITV anchor Lorraine Kelly, 64, often takes leave from the one-hour weekday series in line with the school term time, meaning her seat is up for grabs in the six week summer holidays.
Now the broadcaster has confirmed RuPaul Drag Race star Michelle Visage, 55 – who has previously appeared on Lorraine as a guest – will be at the helm.
They believe the Strictly alumni, who was paired with BBC show professional Giovanni Pernice, 33, in 2019, will “keep it interesting.”
They claim Michelle is a “perfect fit” for the weekday gig with the star joining a host of the show’s regular stand-ins including Christine Lampard, 45, and Good Morning Britain‘s Ranvir Singh, 46.
A source told The Mirror: “ITV has lined up Michelle Visage as a part-time host for its morning chat show Lorraine.
“She will be hosting the show during a one-off summertime special.
“She joins the show in a bid to keep it interesting over the summer months.”
They added: “Michelle is thrilled to have been given this opportunity.
“She’s a natural presenter and a huge fan of the show so it’s a perfect fit.
“ITV think she will be a huge hit with fans.”
Michelle starred as a guest on Lorraine back in 2019 when she confirmed she was snubbed for Strictly’s live tour.
Show bosses will no doubt hope she will bring the same candid attitude as host.
No shows
Lorraine’s absence during the holiday period often confuses fans, many of whom are left concerned by her no show.
Yet last February, she was forced off-screen due to sickness.
Just this Friday, she was replaced on her own show by Ranvir.
Recently, Loose Women’s Christine stunned fans as she put a coin up her bum when she hosted the show in the Easter holidays.
Granny duties
Lorraine may well need extra cover for her show this year if she needs to lend a hand when her daughter gives birth to her first baby.
During her Easter break, Lorraine took to social media to reveal she will soon become a grandma for the first time.
Her daughter Rosie is expecting with her partner Steve and also confirmed the news, showing off her bump in a social media snap.
Lorraine joked with viewers she would be known to the tot as Granny Smith – in a reference to the apple brand – with her real surname revealed.
Lorraine also shared her excitement on her own Instagram page, writing: ” The most exciting thing to have ever happened in our family.
“Cannot wait to be a granny and so proud of Rosie and her Steve.
“It’s the best news ever”.
The pictures showed a framed scan of the baby at 12 weeks with the captions: “The bean at 12 weeks – the size of a fig.”
