Ben Shephard Steps in to Host Lorraine After Kelly Loses Her Voice
In a surprising last-minute change, Ben Shephard took over hosting duties for the Lorraine show on ITV this Thursday morning, March 5, 2026. The This Morning presenter stepped in after Lorraine Kelly was forced to pull out due to a severe sore throat that left her unable to speak.
Unexpected Substitution During Live Broadcast
During the crossover from Good Morning Britain, presenters Kate Garraway and Paul Brand previewed the upcoming Lorraine programme, only to find Shephard in the host's seat. Garraway humorously remarked, "Lorraine's looking a bit rough this morning, if I'm honest. Ben Shephard, what are you doing?" Shephard explained that Kelly's voice had deteriorated throughout the week and completely collapsed the previous night, rendering her silent except for "just a few squeaks here and there."
Fan Reactions and Well-Wishes
As the live broadcast commenced, Shephard reassured viewers, encouraging them not to adjust their sets and sending love to Kelly for a speedy recovery. ITV audiences quickly took to social media to express their support. One viewer posted on X, "Omg how refreshing is it to see @benshephard on #Lorraine!" while another commented, "Lovely to see Ben on Lorraine." This follows earlier concerns from fans after Kelly presented with a hoarse voice on Tuesday, prompting co-host Susanna Reid to suggest medical advice.
Background on Lorraine's Health Issues
Earlier in the week, Kelly had acknowledged her struggling voice during her show, stating, "It's terrible... It sounds awful... It's really strange." She later thanked Dr. Amir Khan for providing ginger tea, noting she felt better. The GP had humorously examined her throat on air, with Kelly joking about the "perks of the job." Despite this temporary improvement, her condition worsened, leading to Shephard's emergency hosting role.
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1 at 9.30 am, with this incident highlighting the unpredictable nature of live television and the camaraderie among ITV presenters.
