Lorraine Kelly replaced by BBC Breakfast star on ITV show as fans left fuming

Lorraine Kelly reacts to Graziano Di Prima's exit from Strictly

Lorraine Kelly's unexpected absence from her eponymous ITV show has left viewers in a state of disarray, with former BBC Breakfast star Louise Minchin stepping into the breach.

The seasoned presenter was conspicuously absent on Friday (July 19), despite having helmed the daytime programme throughout the preceding week. Disgruntled fans took to social media to vent their frustration, with one particularly irate viewer commenting: "Lorraine should be renamed because she is only on occasionally!"

Speculation swirled among the audience, with one person pondering: "So is Lorraine now off for the school hols?" while another quipped about the age of Lorraine's children: "It's the last day of school for her 40-year-old children."

Yet, not all feedback was negative; some fans were delighted by Louise's appearance, with one admirer posting: "Nice to see Louise on #lorraine today. One of my favourite breakfast presenters."

Another chimed in with support, stating: "I would love Louise Minchin to do This Morning!", reports the Mirror.

Lorraine has hosted 99 episodes of her show this year (Image: ITV)

Statistics reveal that out of 143 episodes broadcast this year, Lorraine has been at the helm for 99, equating to a 69.2% presence. Louise has filled in for two episodes, while Christine Lampard has taken the reins for 22 episodes and Ranvir Singh for 18.

Joel Dommett has also had a stint as host for a couple of episodes.

Christine and Ranvir have now officially announced they will be sharing hosting duties over the summer break, alternating days to inject variety into the show.

Lorraine (Image: )

In response to the burgeoning 'Where is Lorraine?' fan account on Twitter, Lorraine herself addressed the phenomenon during an interview on Radio 4's Women's Hour earlier in 2024. She mused: "The amount of space I occupy in people's heads is quite bizarre. It's hilarious.

"It's fine, I don't mind. I don't care. I probably would have cared before, but I really don't now. It's absolutely fine."

she remarked, opening up about her absence from the show in February. She elaborated on the reason, stating: "I am having to take quite a few Fridays off because my mum really isn't well."

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Fans were divided by the change (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"So I can go home now and spend some more time with her and help her a bit more than I've been able to. That's happening just now, but that will change."

The fan account chimed in at the time, saying: "It feels apt to say now that of course we respect that Lorraine may need more time away to look after her mother."

"There is, and never has been, any malice behind this account. It is all for fun and we are happy that @reallorraine seems to understand that."

Lorraine Kelly replaced by BBC Breakfast star on ITV show as fans left fuming

Lorraine Kelly replaced by BBC Breakfast star on ITV show as fans left fuming

Lorraine Kelly replaced by BBC Breakfast star on ITV show as fans left fuming

Lorraine Kelly replaced by BBC Breakfast star on ITV show as fans left fuming

Lorraine Kelly replaced by BBC Breakfast star on ITV show as fans left fuming