Lorraine Kelly celebrates 35 years on television

The Glasgwegian presenter, 59, said: “I am still learning every day and I have the same enthusiasm and passion for the job as I did all those years ago.” And, while she’s earned her fair share of accolades – RTS Award for Outstanding Contribution, TRIC’s Special Award and TV Choice’s Outstanding Contribution to Television – Lorraine knows all too well about the perils of presenting on live television.

Having racked up more TV hours than most, Lorraine remembers a time when she was walking across the studio and speaking to the camera when she missed a step and fell over live on screen.

She said: “I had high heels on and I was introducing my next guest, Jane Asher. I fell down flat on my face, ripped all my tights and my knees were bleeding. So I sat and did an interview with Jane with my knees bleeding like a seven-year-old.” 

Meeting the Spice Girls on live TV also led to an unexpected moment as she attempted to wear a pair of their trademark platforms. 

Lorraine added: “They gave me a pair of giant platforms to wear. I did a high kick and showed my pants – clean, white Marks & Spencer ones, thank you very much.”

During her long reign, the presenter has been serenaded by Jeff Goldblum, while talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has showered her with praise, telling Lorraine: “You’re such a good interviewer. Do you know how you’re a good interviewer? When it doesn’t feel like an interview.”

Hollywood legend Tom Hanks ribbed her about her Scottish accent, saying: “Your fabulous voice. It’s like a little happy Scot is going to make us feel good about everything lovely.”

Yet she was told at the start of her career that she would not succeed in television, explaining: “I had been working as a researcher at BBC Scotland and been told by the big boss that I would never make it in TV because of my Glasgow accent.”

source: express.co.uk