Lorraine Kelly has come under fire for comments she made about singer Cher’s love life and cosmetic surgery rumours during her ITV breakfast show.
The 66-year-old presenter made what viewers called “shady” remarks while teasing a celebrity segment still to come on the programme.
After wrapping up a Christmas gadget feature, Ms Kelly told viewers: “Still to come tonight… proving she still believes in love, Cher is turning 80.”
She added: “I know, I can’t believe it either. We’ve got the latest reports that she’s set to marry again to a man probably half her age.
“When I say Cher’s turning 80… bits of Cher are turning 80.”
Later on, Ms Kelly was joined by entertainment editor Lucie Cave to discuss the singer’s relationship with Alexander Edwards.
Ms Cave explained: “Cher, ahead of her 80th birthday in May, is getting married to Alexander Edwards, known as AE, he is 39. I love it.
“She said anyone who criticises the fact that he is a toy boy doesn’t know what goes on behind the scenes. They have a blast. She doesn’t give a hoot.”
Singer Cher and partner Alexander Edwards
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GETTY
Ms Kelly quickly cut in with a quip: “If he can’t keep up with her that’s his problem. If she wears him out then he’s a dried out Husk, that’s his problem.”
The pair laughed following the remark.
However, many viewers did not find the exchange amusing, and took to X to criticise the host.
One posted: “‘Bits of Cher are turning 80’… #Lorraine is so vile.”
Lorraine Kelly made fun of Cher’s new relationship
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PA
Another viewer added: “Like a giggling schoolgirl… #lorraine.”
Her comments about Cher were not the only remarks attracting backlash, with users also accusing the presenter of taking a “snidey dig” at Meghan Markle during the broadcast.
While speaking live to a reporter outside Buckingham Palace, a journalist suggested the Duchess of Sussex had only contacted her ill father Thomas Markle recently to avoid negative publicity.
Ms Kelly appeared to agree, reacting with a disapproving expression before saying: “Yeah that’s very true. I mean the press have tracked him down, she could always give them a call.
“I don’t know that will happen though.”
One penned on X: “Lorraine just couldn’t resist having a snidey dig at Meghan, what a horrible woman she is! #lorraine.” penned on X.
This is not the first time Ms Kelly’s remarks while hosting her show have sparked controversy.
In June, the broadcaster faced significant backlash over what viewers described as an “appalling” and “jolly” tone when announcing the death of reality television personality Kim Woodburn.
Lorraine Kelly went on to take a jab at Meghan Markle
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PA
Critics accused her of lacking empathy and moving too swiftly into the next segment.
Ms Kelly also generated over 300 Ofcom complaints in 2023 after saying Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had “the face you deserve,” following discussions about his appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Earlier in the programme, Shona McGarty appeared via video link to shut down rumours she had grown close to rapper Aitch during I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!.
Asked about fan speculation, the EastEnders star, 34, said she sees the musician “like a little brother.”
Ms McGarty, who came third in the ITV reality show, said: “I mean, I’m like ten years older than him, and honestly, the rumours are rubbish, he was like my younger brother, I was like his older sister.
“We just had the same energy level, we were just hyper and silly and that’s why we got on so well.”
Lorraine agreed, telling her: “I get that about the little brother, and I think that’s a lovely thing to have.”