Lorraine Kelly opens up about 'really frightening' time in her career which saw her replaced on major ITV daytime show
Lorraine Kelly has opened up about a 'really frightening' time in her career which saw her replaced on a major ITV daytime show.
The presenter revealed she was once told she would be replaced as host of primetime breakfast magazine show GMTV - after giving birth to her daughter.
The Scottish TV personality, 65, currently off from her ITV show Lorraine as she recovers from preventative keyhole surgery, opened up about the frightening moment on a recent episode of TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones ' podcast.
She explained on The Dr Hilary Show, recorded before her admission to hospital, that after her daughter Rosie was born in June 1994, she was due to return to work in September, the Mirror reports.
But just before the end of August, she received a phone call saying, '"We're really sorry, we're not renewing your contract, we've got someone else"' - which was Eammon Holmes and Anthea Turner.
Lorraine continued: 'I thought, "Oh my God, what am I going to do?" I had a massive mortgage, a tiny baby and Steve [her husband] was working all hours.
'It was scary. It was really frightening. Anyone who loses a job knows how scary that is, especially when you're freelance.'
The presenter, often known as the 'queen' of breakfast TV, also spoke about the instability of not having maternity leave: 'We didn't have that if you're freelance - you just go back to work.'
But Lorraine did not give up on her presenting career - and begun trying to find another broadcasting job, with a VHS tape of her on-screen highlights in hand.
Eventually, though, GMTV - Good Morning TV, which ran from 1993 to 2010, as the predecessor to ITV Breakfast - got back in contact with her.
She returned to present a mother and baby slot in the November, instead of returning to her old job in the September as planned - and this kick-started the rest of her highly successful broadcasting career.
The host had various iterations of other self-titled morning shows before landing on the current format Lorraine, which launched in July 2010.
Fans have spoken out in support of Lorraine since she revealed last Saturday she was taking a break from hosting her programme to undergo surgery to remove her fallopian tubes and ovaries.
In a video from her hospital bed, the veteran presenter reassured fans she was being well looked after and the keyhole surgery was 'purely preventative', after she had been unwell for some time.
She added: 'I'm going to be totally fine and I'll see you soon.'
While Lorraine recovers, This Morning presenter Sian Welby has stepped in to present the daytime show.
Sian, standing in on the sofa, sent Lorraine her well wishes: 'Before we get started, obviously we want to wish Lorraine a speedy recovery.
'You might have seen her post over the weekend. She's been in hospital for an operation; I know she's planning to be back here as soon as she can.'
It comes as Lorraine shared an update with her social media followers about her recovery, along with exciting news about her programme, on Wednesday.
She said: 'Thanx for all your lovely messages I'm recovering well. So proud of my top team - punching above our weight and bucking the trend.
'Just heard our ratings are up - we had the highest March for four years. Thanks @vixkennedy and the gang! Always know how to cheer me up [love heart].'
The encouraging message comes after she confirmed last Sunday she was back home and recuperating as she heaped praise on the hospital staff and her surgeon for being so 'kind' and 'caring'.
It comes as Lorraine shared an update (pictured) with her social media followers about her recovery , along with exciting news about her programme, on Wednesday
The TV star gushed in the caption (pictured): 'Huge thanks to these kind, caring, gorgeous professionals who took care of me'
The host shared a snap of herself surrounded by healthcare professionals, sitting in a wheelchair and wearing a T-shirt paying tribute to her late friend Dame Deborah James, who passed away in 2022 from bowel cancer.
The TV star gushed in the caption: 'Huge thanks to these kind, caring, gorgeous professionals who took care of me at @heatherwoodhospital - back home now and following doctors orders to rest up.
'My surgeon Mr Ahmed Rafaat has been so reassuring throughout - and I can't thank the whole team enough!'
Lorraine was soon flooded with well wishes from her fans and famous friends, with Emma Willis writing: 'Lots of love Lorraine' and Christine Lampard commenting a string of heart emojis.
Sir Chris Hoy added: 'Get well soon, Lorraine' while Vanessa Feltz penned: 'Enjoy a bit of convalescence with your beautiful girls'.
Lorraine is available to watch on ITV on weekdays from 9am to 10am and to stream on ITVX.
PREVENTATIVE SURGERY: A DOCTOR EXPLAINS ALL...
Ms Deborah Bruce, Consultant Gynaecologist at London Bridge Hospital explains more about this type of surgery...
Why would someone get the procedure?
A women would request this surgery and obtain it if her and her gynaecologist, after detailed discussion and weighing up the pros and cons, decide that her risk of developing ovarian cancer outweighs the risk of surgical menopause.
What does it involve?
It would involve usually a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can also be performed by an open procedure but this would involve more risks to the patient and a longer recovery period.
What is the recovery time afterwards?
After a laparoscopy, which is usually a day case procedure, recovery should be quicker and easier than an open procedure which would involve an overnight stay of two to three nights. After a laparoscopy, most women are back to full activities within 4-6 weeks, compared to a laparotomy which can take up to 3 months.
What can be some of the side effects of having your ovaries removed?
The main risk of removing the ovaries in a premenopausal woman is inducing a surgical menopause which would be associated with all the complications of a natural menopause; hot flushes, night sweats, increased risk of osteoporosis/ cardiovascular disease, uro-genital issues such as vaginal dryness. Often the symptoms such as hot flushes are more severe following a surgical menopause than a natural menopause.
What could also be some of the emotional fall out?
The main emotional issues surround fertility, however if a woman has completed her family, this is less of a risk.
What are the main symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The problem with ovarian cancer is that the symptoms - if any - often present late in the process of ovarian cancer. The main symptoms, should they occur are swelling in the abdomen, weight gain, bloating or irritable bowel like symptoms.
How is ovarian cancer normally diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer is normally diagnosed with a combination of blood tests, scans and surgery. Like any cancer, it can only be 100% confirmed after surgical removal and histological examination. However, a blood test called Ca-125 is usually raised with ovarian cancer, and certain ultrasonographic changes can increase the index of suspicion. An MRI scan is often also performed to investigate further and exclude metastases (to determine if the cancer has spread or not).
What is the role of genetics in the development of ovarian cancer?
There is an association between BRCA1 and 2 genes and the development of ovarian cancer. This only contributes 5-10 % of all ovarian cancers. However, if the BRCA1 gene is present 39% of women will develop Ovarian cancer by the age of 70 years. The risk is less - 11-17% with BRCA2. These genes can be screened for in the presence of a positive family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, but there are pros and cons to knowing your status.
Do you have any advice or tips to help reduce the chance of developing ovarian cancer?
Other factors that have been shown to alter the risk of developing ovarian cancer include the number of ovulatory menstrual cycles a women has in her lifetime - the more she has the greater the risk, hence late menarche, early menopause, pregnancy and breast feeding are all protective against this disease. The combined oral contraceptive pill is also protective as it stops ovulation. Tubal ligation and hysterectomy have also been shown to reduce the risk.
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