A wave of sorrow has touched the heart of television, as Lorraine Kelly announced the sudden passing of her father, John, at the age of 84. The loss, described as a “shock” by the beloved presenter, occurred following an accidental fall on an icy path.
Though her father had been in poor health, the unexpected nature of his death has deeply affected Kelly and her family. Authorities responded to a report of an injured man near St Leonard’s Square in East Kilbride, where John was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Kelly shared a poignant photograph of herself with her father, a radiant smile illuminating both their faces. Her accompanying words spoke of a profound grief, and a lifetime of cherished memories.
She remembered a father who sparked her curiosity, gifting her a telescope at the tender age of five and sharing the wonder of the moon landings. He instilled in her a lifelong passion for learning and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
“Any of you who have experienced a similar loss will know how my brother Graham and I are feeling,” she wrote, acknowledging the universal pain of bereavement. The family’s immediate focus is on supporting her mother during this incredibly difficult time.
An outpouring of support quickly followed, with messages flooding in from fellow celebrities and fans alike. Actress Dawn French offered “love wrapped around you,” while Jeremy Vine expressed his sincere condolences.
Vanessa Feltz, recognizing the close-knit nature of the Kelly family, sent her deepest sympathies. ITV colleague Ben Shephard also extended his heartfelt support, sending love and hugs to all.
John Kelly, a retired television service engineer, was a young man of 18 when Lorraine was born. He nurtured in her a love of reading, a fascination with the stars, and a powerful work ethic that would define her successful career.
The family’s early years were marked by modest beginnings, with Lorraine, her parents, and brother sharing a single room until she was thirteen. Yet, her father always recognized a special spark within her – a “hunger and drive, as well as ability” that would propel her forward.
His legacy extends far beyond his family, touching the lives of countless viewers who have welcomed Lorraine Kelly into their homes for years. He was, by all accounts, a remarkable man who shaped the life of a national treasure.
