‘I hate the term age-appropriate for clothes!’
Lorraine Kelly chats about her latest edit with Bonmarché, the key to staying young and why she feels confident in her own skin again
When we chat with Lorraine Kelly it’s bright and early in the morning, but she laughs that 8am is a “lie in” for her after a career on breakfast television.
The 62-year-old, who joined GMTV when it launched in 1993 and has presented her eponymous show on ITV since 2010, is certainly bright. She is visibly glowing thanks to her summer holiday and, combined with a recent health kick, she looks at least 10 years younger.
She tells us she has found her confidence again and is thrilled to be helping other women look and feel good with her stylish yet affordable Bonmarché edit, as more of us feel the pinch.
Here, Lorraine – who is married to cameraman Steve Smith and has daughter Rosie, 28 – tells us more...
Hi, Lorraine! Tell us about your Bonmarché edit…
I wore a black and white poppy print dress that cost £20 and viewers went crazy for it. So the brand got in touch about doing an edit. The prices are ridiculously good for the quality and fit. Especially in the current climate. It’s always been important to me to wear high-street-relatable fashion on screen but Bonmarché is great value, not just fast fashion.
What are your favourite pieces?
The jackets. Particularly in Scotland, you can never rely on the weather.
What’s most important to you when picking clothes?
Really good value, quality clothes that will look good whatever age you are. I’m 62 but I still want to be fashionable. I hate the term ageappropriate, I just want clothes that make me feel good about myself.
How do you feel about ageing?
Well, I don’t feel old, that’s for sure! I think the key is to keep curious, keep active and keep questioning. I’m very lucky to do a job where I learn something new every day.
Why do you value affordability?
I’m lucky to do a job I love and be paid well for it but there are many who are not so lucky. This winter is going to be so tough for people with the recent increases in energy prices.
How has your summer been?
I’ve had some time off the show and I’m in Spain at the moment but I’m still keeping up my Zumba classes!
Are you looking forward to getting back to the show?
I am! It’s being well looked after but I always miss it when I am away. I’ve missed my gang, they really are like my second family.
You always look great but you’ve recently dropped a few pounds…
I saw a photo of myself from January and it gave me a bit of a shock. The
weight was creeping on. so now i’m trying to have a walk every day and doing my Zumba. i’ve also gone back to the Weightwatchers app, which is easy and has made me feel much brighter and lighter, too.
Are you pleased with the results?
i feel better in myself and it’s given me my confidence back to wear the clothes i want to. When i was a bit bigger there was no way i’d wear my little Bonmarché dresses. When i feel uncomfortable and am a bit bigger i tend to wear clothes to cover me up and there is nothing quite like the joy of tucking your shirt into your jeans and having a proper, defined waist!
There’s talk you turned down Strictly… i love Strictly, it is a joy to watch but i have no desire to take part! i wouldn’t even be the comedy act or the plucky outsider, i’d just be awful. anton du Beke was on my show once and tried to teach me a few moves and said it was like trying to dance with a tree!
Lorraine’s Bonmarché edit is available online and in stores nationwide