Lorraine Kelly ‘signs deal’ with rival channel amid recent ITV cuts blow: ‘Opening her eyes’
Lorraine Kelly is understood to have signed a deal with Channel 4 for a new travel programme, marking a significant move to ITV’s rival broadcaster.
The 65-year-old presenter flew to Norway last month to film the big-budget project, which she described as something she had “wanted to do for years and years”.
In a video message on Instagram, Kelly teased her “big filming adventures” in Norway, saying she was “in the land of the midnight sun” and heading “really, really far north”.
A source told The Sun on Sunday that “Channel 4 were delighted to have Lorraine on board” and that “it was exciting for Lorraine to do something different and be on location again”.
The Scottish presenter has been with ITV since 1984, and the move comes amid significant changes to Kelly’s ITV morning show.
From January next year, Lorraine will be reduced from its current hour-long format to just 30 minutes, running from 9.30am to 10am.
The programme will also air for only 30 weeks annually rather than year-round. Good Morning Britain will extend by 30 minutes, cutting into Lorraine’s traditional 9am start time.
In a further blow, ITV is also thought to have axed the key production role of Head of Lorraine. Two producers will now report directly to This Morning bosses instead.
A show source told The Sun that the team were “gutted” by the changes, adding: “They can’t understand why ITV would want to dismantle such a successful rating-busting programme. It’s a great shame.”
The source revealed that “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”.
They added: “She’s survived in this business a long time and she’s a master at rolling with the punches.”
The insider suggested the changes at ITV have prompted Kelly to explore new opportunities.
“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,” they said.
“She’s opening her eyes up to the many options available to her.”
The source emphasised Channel 4’s enthusiasm for securing the veteran presenter for their new travel programme.
Kelly recently hinted at her willingness to explore opportunities beyond ITV.
Speaking on the Proper Tasty podcast last month, she said: “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.”
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ITV defended the daytime changes in a statement, explaining: “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.”
GB News has contacted Lorraine’s representatives and Channel 4 over the reports.