'I've no intention of GROWING UP'

Stepping back from her show, following in the footsteps of Marian Keyes and embracing her new role as Granny Smith, Queen of Daytime and author Lorraine Kelly is entering a whole new chapter

- GEMMA CALVERT

As the photographer plots his next set of pictures, Lorraine Kelly takes a sip of water and has a brief glance at her phone.

'Ah! I've had a message from Chris Hoy,' she announces, unable to contain her enthusiasm for an invitation from the six-time Olympic cycling champion to a summer fundraising event in Dundee.

'He had me at "are you free?"," sighs Lorraine, promptly confirming her availability with her manager before replying to the fellow Scot, who last October revealed that he is living with incurable prostate cancer. Two months later, the dad-of-two appeared on Lorraine's ITV daytime show to share his story.

'That man, he's just positivity,' continues Lorraine later when - photo shoot over - we pile on to an oversized navy sofa and put the world to rights. 'I was near tears talking to him because he's lovely and he doesn't deserve this. He's a man on a mission to make all men check their prostate. What an incredible person.'

Lorraine's ability to connect deeply with everyone she meets is her superpower. Call it motherliness, Scottish charm or human kindness, but it's one reason why 1.1 million viewers tune in daily to her show. She's also an industry stalwart, having clocked up more than 40 years in television - an achievement celebrated last May when she received one of BAFTA's highest honours for her outstanding contribution to television.

Opinionated and curious, today at our location house near to Lorraine's Buckinghamshire home, she delves into a wealth of hot topics, including Trump, cancel culture and calling out inappropriate behaviour in the TV industry. She also discusses renewing her marriage vows to retired cameraman husband Steve Smith, her 30-year-old journalist daughter Rosie's upcoming wedding to fiancé Steve White, 30, and becoming 'Granny Smith' after the arrival of baby Billie last August.