Ranvir Singh is filling in for Lorraine Kelly on her ITV show - here’s why

Lorraine Kelly is set to be replaced on her own ITV show by a very familiar face.

Strictly Come Dancing star, Ranvir Singh, will be presenting Lorraine for three days in the lead-up to Christmas, from Monday 21 December to Wednesday 23 December.

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When Ranvir, 42, who made it through to the Strictly semi-final, appeared as a guest on the show yesterday (16 December), Lorraine announced the news. 

So why is Lorraine being replaced? Here is everything you need to know. 

Why is Lorraine Kelly being replaced?

Popular TV host Lorraine, 61, is being replaced by the Strictly star for a simple reason - she needs some well-earned time off over the Christmas period.

That is why Ranvir, an experienced journalist and presenter, has been drafted in to replace her.

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During Wednesday’s (16 December) show, Lorraine announced the news to viewers alongside Ranvir. 

She said: “‘Next week, great news, we are going to be swapping chairs. You’re going to be here which is fabulous, thank you.”

Ranvir then thanked Lorraine for the opportunity and said she was “so excited” to be presenting the chat show - adding that she “better not mess up” the opportunity.

Lorraine added that the journalist will be “brilliant” in filling in for her while she takes some time off before Christmas.

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She joked that she would be “at home with a cup of tea” watching Ranvir cover for her. 

Ranvir Singh will be covering for Lorraine (Getty Images)Ranvir Singh will be covering for Lorraine (Getty Images)
Ranvir Singh will be covering for Lorraine (Getty Images)

When will Lorraine return?

Fans of Lorraine needn’t worry, as the ITV host will be back in her chair not long after she takes her break.

She is to be replaced on Christmas Eve by Andi Peters, and will then return to her role on Christmas Day. 

Who is Ranvir Singh?

Ranvir Singh, apart from being one of the stars of this year’s Strictly series, is an award-winning journalist, who spent 12 years working for the BBC as a producer, reporter and presenter

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Some of her notable career highlights have been travelling on board the RAF Voyager with the Prime Minister, and reporting live as the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy unfolded.

The journalist is no stranger to daytime TV shows, as she has appeared on Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women, as well as Good Morning Britain and ITV News. 

She was born on 11 August, 1977, and grew up in Preston before being educated at Kirkham Grammar School.

Ranvir then attended the University of Central Lancashire where she studied English and Philosophy, before enrolling in a postgraduate course in journalism at the School of Journalism in Preston. 

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In 2005, the journalist joined the BBC's North West Tonight show as a bulletin presenter, and by 2011 she was co-hosting the show.

Her hard work paid off as in 2010 she was awarded best on-screen talent at the Royal Television Society's North West Awards.

However, Ranvir is best known for her presenting job on Daybreak from 2012 to 2014, and as a features correspondent and presenter on Good Morning Britain. 

When did she leave Strictly?

Ranvir has been one of the fan and judge favourites on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the semi-final of the 2020 show.

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Yet, her Strictly dream ended on Sunday 13 December as she and dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, were in the bottom two against Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer, with the judges sending the latter couple through to the final. 

Speaking to Lorraine about her exit from the dancing show, Ranvir said: “I couldn’t believe how far I had got, to be honest. 

“To get so close and to not make the final, it does hurt a little bit, but in the end, really, I am glad that we left on a beautiful dance – and I don’t mean the jive obviously.

“It’s incredible what you can learn in two months. I know that sounds like quite a long time but we did lots of different dances. 

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“To learn that you have something called ‘a ballroom frame’ which Anton Du Beke said was the best he had seen on Strictly in years… who knew?”

When is Lorraine on TV?

Lorraine airs every weekday morning at 9am on ITV.

This Christmas is set to be extra special on ITV, as all of the network’s daytime shows will air on December 25.

Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and This Morning will air festive specials, honouring the happier moments of what has been an unprecedented year.