AwardsTelevision

Lorraine Kelly: Special Award 2024

Posted: 13 May 2024

In a first for BAFTA – and certainly for the long-time television presenter – Lorraine Kelly found out about her Special Award live on breakfast television.

“I assumed we were still on air,” the presenter, journalist and author says of the moment on Lorraine on 25 March when all her TV monitors blinked off, her feed went dead and she was left stumped in the middle of what she assumed was a technical fault. Meanwhile, viewers were watching Susanna Reid walk into the studio with a surprise announcement to share. “When our giant screen doors opened, and I saw her there, I honestly had no idea what was going on! I was overwhelmed when she told me. for once I was completely lost for words.”

Not ever finding herself lost for words is all part and parcel of the job for Kelly, who has been one of the most steadfast and beloved presences on our daytime screens for four decades. As she is honoured for her skill, sensitivity and ability to educate the public on tricky subjects with empathy, Kelly joins previous Special Award recipients. These include David Olusoga, Clare Balding, Idris Elba and Cilla Black. But her onscreen charisma is all her own. And how about her favourite interviewee of all time? It’s pretty out-of-this-world. “Buzz Aldrin,” she enthuses. “I am an unapologetic space geek.”

A Q&A with Lorraine Kelly

QAccess into broadcasting for working-class people is something increasingly at risk and is something BAFTA works to address. How can we safeguard these voices in TV?

LKI was given opportunities that, sadly, have become almost non-existent. I went straight to my local newspaper from school and then to the BBC (after acquiring a bottom drawer full of rejection letters). In fact, I was told by the boss of BBC Scotland that I would never make it in TV because of my working-class Glasgow accent. It was actually the best thing that could have happened. That comment spurred me to phone the boss of the relatively new breakfast TV station TV-am, who asked me to come down for an interview and then hired me as Scottish correspondent (Bruce Gyngell was Australian so didn't have the same class prejudices - he just wanted a Scottish reporter!) The high cost of living and working now makes it almost impossible for working-class kids from the rest of the country to accept a job in London. That has to change. There also needs to be more opportunities outside of London. We quite rightly have stressed the importance of diversity in recent years, but that also has to include young working-class people who understand and can relate to the vast majority of our viewers. It is in all of our interests to make sure they have the opportunity to have their voices heard.

QHow has the role daytime TV plays in people's lives changed?

LKOne of the things I love about my job is that viewers, especially those who have watched for a long time, consider me to be their friend. That has only strengthened over the years, and was especially true during Covid. I was told we provided much needed normality and reassurance. At the same time, I want to be entertaining, funny and also thought-provoking. Breakfast and daytime have been trailblazing in dealing with issues like LGBTQIA+ and transgender rights as well as "taboo" medical issues. We never shy away from controversy or holding people in power to account, but as my granny used to say, you get more with sugar than vinegar. I am never gladiatorial- I always try to be firm but fair.

QWhat's your advice to budding presenters and broadcast journalists looking to hone their own style?

LKDo the work, I always do my homework. You need to watch the movie or the TV show, read the book or listen to the radio show or podcast. You need to be clued up on all the issues. There are no shortcuts. And don't forget it's never about you, but always about your guest. In fact, the most important advice I would give is very simple: listen. The human interest stories are the most important and have the most impact. I am forever grateful that people trust me with their stories.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV explore our BAFTA Award Stories.

See who else has won a BAFTA Special Award.

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