‘Hosting Lorraine is a treat – I get to wear heels’
TV presenter Ranvir Singh, 43, on taking over from Lorraine Kelly for a summer stint on ITV’s morning show…
How excited are you to be filling in for Lorraine?
It’s such a privilege because I’m a massive fan of Lorraine, obviously. She’s so supportive and wonderful – so to be sitting in her seat is just so lovely. I’m used to doing a lot of hard news and politics, so this is a chance for a lighter touch. I really enjoy being able to speak to guests about what’s going on in their lives. It’s a real thrill for me.
You first took over before Christmas… Top moments from the hosting chair so far? Interviewing Boy George, who is just such an icon. Covid restrictions meant he couldn’t come into the studio, but just to be able to chat to him was the best feeling ever and I was so excited. There was also one of the funniest moments ever, when we had Joel Dommett on. He didn’t answer his phone, so Andi Peters found his number and rang him on air. Joel turned up on his Zoom topless – and that’s the joy of live TV. Anything can happen, and that’s what I love about it.
Has Lorraine given you any tips? She gave me her dressing room, which was really sweet of her because it’s got all her stuff in it. She just said, “The team are brilliant and we have a hoot!” I text her when I’m on the show and she’ll text me.
What will you be wearing? Definitely heels! I love wearing them and unlike Lorraine [who recently revealed she puts on “studio” shoes when she’s sitting down, as they’re too high to walk in] I’ll be forcing myself to walk around in them when
I’m working in the building. I’m normally outside Westminster in trainers, so this is a bit of a treat for me – and I’ll have heels on for as long as I possibly can!
Do you get a lie-in working on Lorraine?
You’d think I would, but the morning meeting for Lorraine takes place at 6.30am! I leave the house at 5.30am, so I’m up at 5. I suppose I do get an extra hour and a bit in bed, and it does make a difference – you do feel a bit more human. The main difference between Good Morning Britain and Lorraine is on GMB you’re dictated by the news. There’s a lot more human interest on Lorraine, and it brings out the side of me you don’t really see when I’m standing at Westminster [covering politics]. Do you have a say on the guests? I’ve made lots of suggestions to the team about what I’d love to talk about – and they want me to be involved in the show’s guests, but I’m going to keep it top secret until it’s all confirmed!
On GMB recently you answered a call live on air from your son?
I said to Susanna [Reid], if you get a phone call out of the blue from your nearest and dearest, you immediately catastrophise the situation, imagining it could be the worst phone call you ever take! Afterwards, my son [Tushaan, eight] said, “I can’t believe you answered!” But I thought it was an emergency… It was really funny!
And you’re on our screens at the moment with Eat, Shop, Save.
I’d love to do more of the series as we’ve got so many wholesome, life-changing stories from families. I’ve picked up so many tips – from making hidden vegetable sauces from scratch to having a meal planner. It’s so easy to get in a rut, and these small tweaks can make a difference.