Lorraine Kelly has spoken about a bittersweet "new beginning" in the wake of her father's passing earlier this year. The ITV presenter's dad John died in January at 84 years old after a fall on an icy path near his home.
At the time, the Glasgow-born broadcaster informed fans that her father had been "in poor health," though his death still came as a shock.
Speaking to Saga Magazine nearly six months later, the 66-year-old explained how the tragedy strengthened her bond with her brother Graham, who had lived in the Far East for decades but now spends more time in Scotland.
"When dad wasn't well, it brought us closer, supporting each other," she said.
Lorraine Kelly opened up about her father's death
|ITV
"It's been a tough time, but the conversations you have with your relatives that you wouldn't have had otherwise are amazing, you talk about the past and then the wedding [her daughter Rosie's] - that's the new beginning."
The presenter admitted she still catches herself talking about her father in the present tense.
"It's weird," she confessed. "When something massive is happening, your hand still goes to your phone."
Ms Kelly revealed her dad had a passion for space exploration, which made certain moments particularly poignant.
Lorraine Kelly said her father's death brought her closer to her brother
| PA"Dad is - I keep speaking about him in the present tense - really into space," she explained. "When [NASA's rocket] Artemis II flew around the moon, I wanted to say, 'Are you watching this? It's amazing.' Then you realise he's not there."
Ms Kelly's daughter Rosie is set to marry in Scotland next month, with Graham expected to be among the wedding guests.
The presenter has also treasured supporting Rosie through her first year of motherhood after she gave birth to daughter Billie in 2024.
Recent changes to her broadcasting schedule have given Ms Kelly more opportunities to spend time with her granddaughter.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Lorraine Kelly with daughter Rosie Smith | GETTYBudget cuts at ITV mean her eponymous daytime programme now runs for half an hour rather than a full hour, airing on a seasonal basis.
Speaking fondly about Billie in the same interview, Ms Kelly made clear where her greatest happiness lies.
"I get the most joy from my granddaughter," she said, while noting that the reduced workload has opened up new creative possibilities.
With her lighter television commitments, the presenter has turned her attention to literature and is currently developing her third novel.
ITV changes have meant Lorraine has the opportunity to spend more time with her family
| ITV"I've got so many ideas," she told the magazine. "But now I've found the thing in my life that gives me the most creative joy."
The broadcaster previously co-hosted the podcast What If? alongside Rosie, with the pair running the show from 2021 until 2025.
Ms Kelly has not completely dismissed the idea of bringing the podcast back in future, though she acknowledged the challenges involved.
"It was quite difficult for Rosie to commit to as a new mum," she explained.