Lorraine Kelly's stand-in on ITV has been revealed as she steps away from the show following her father's death. The broadcaster shared the devastating news on social media over the weekend, describing it as a "shock" to learn of the "distressing" development.
Christine Lampard has been confirmed as her replacement on the ITV programme, with Susanna Reid and Ed Balls expressing their sympathy for Lorraine during Good Morning Britain.
Susanna said: "Christine is here in the studio for Lorraine after 9.30am, Christine good morning to you, and we want to send our condolences to Lorraine.
"Tragically, she lost her father in the last couple of days, and we just sent enormous amounts of love. I know it came as a shock, and Lorraine, lots and lots of love to you."
Christine added: "Absolutely, thank you very much, folks, we'll be having a chat about Lorraine and her family at the top of this show. A shock to all of us, but we're going to do our best to carry on today, and Lorraine will be back very soon, obviously."
Lorraine shared the heartbreaking news of her father's death on Instagram yesterday, posting: "Very sad news. My dad has died.
"I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me, and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything.
"He was in poor health, but it has still been a shock.
"Any of you who have experienced a similar loss will know how my brother Graham and I are feeling. Our priority is taking care of my mu,m and the family would very much appreciate privacy at this distressing time. We will miss you, Dad."
Tributes poured in from supporters and celebrity friends, with Matt Baker expressing: "So sorry to hear this Lorraine sending lots of love from me and Nicola."
Nigella Lawson responded: "I'm so sorry for your loss, and tremendous pain. Sending so much love."
Davina McCall offered: "Love to you all," whilst Vanessa Feltz added: "O Lorraine I am so terribly sorry to hear this. I know what a close and loving family you are. Sending love and my deepest condolences. Vanessa."
This follows major shake-ups to Lorraine's daily programme, after ITV revealed a string of budget cuts, reports the Express.,
Alongside modifications to Good Morning Britain and Loose Women, Lorraine has been slashed to 30 minutes, broadcasting for 30 weeks annually.
Shortly after the cost-cutting measures were unveiled, Lorraine candidly discussed her feelings of "disappointment".
Speaking to Desert Island Discs presenter Lauren Laverne, she said: "'I was disappointed, of course I was. This is the world that we live in now.
"Things have to change, I mean, I've been through so many regime changes in my life."
She added: "For me, this is just another one, but it's seismic. The thing that has upset me the most is the fact that we've got this great team, and obviously, that's not going to be in place next year because jobs will go.
"Hopefully I'll be able to hang on to some of these amazing people - that's my aim. It's very, very sad. It really is."
Lorraine broadcasts weekday mornings from 9.30am on ITV1 and ITVX.