Lorraine Kelly reveals TV boss told her she would never make it in the industry due to ‘working-class Glasgow accent’ – as she receives BAFTA Special Award

Lorraine Kelly has revealed a TV boss told her she would never make it in the industry because of her ‘working class Glasgow accent’ – but now she is set to receive a BAFTA Special Award.

Award-winning presenter, journalist and author Lorraine, 64, will be honored with a BAFTA Special Award at the upcoming BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at London’s Royal Festival Hall on May 12.

The BAFTA Special Award is one of BAFTA’s highest honors and recognizes an exceptional contribution to film, games or television.

Previous recipients of the BAFTA Television Special Award include David Olusoga, Nicola Shindler, Clare Balding, Idris Elba, John Motson, Henry Normal, Nick Fraser, Lenny Henry, Delia Smith and Cilla Black.

Speaking about the challenges she faced when starting out in the industry, Lorraine explained: “I was given opportunities that have unfortunately become almost non-existent. I went straight from school to the local newspaper and then to the BBC (after buying a bottom drawer full of rejection letters).

‘In fact I was told by the boss of BBC Scotland that I would never be on TV because of my working-class Glasgow accent.

‘It was actually the best thing that could have happened: that comment prompted me to call the boss of the relatively new breakfast TV channel TV-am, who asked me for an interview and then hired me as a Scottish correspondent (Bruce Gyngell ). was Australian, so didn’t have the same reporter of class bias!)

She added: ‘The high cost of living and working now makes it almost impossible for working-class children from the rest of the country to accept a job in London. That has to change. There should also be more options outside London.

‘We have rightly emphasized the importance of diversity in recent years, but that must also include young working-class people who understand and identify with the vast majority of our viewers. It is in all our interests to ensure that they have the opportunity to make their voices heard.’

On receiving the award, Lorraine said: “It really is an extra special award because it comes from BAFTA and I feel very honoured. It’s going to be such an incredible evening and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Hilary Rosen, chairman of BAFTA’s television committee, said: ‘Lorraine Kelly has been a dazzling presence on our screens for more than 40 years and is one of television’s best-known and loved stars.

‘On ITV’s Lorraine she shows a mastery of disarming guests with her warmth and relaxed approach and always manages to make the daily demands of live broadcasting seem easy.

“She combines quick intelligence with genuine empathy, tackles tough topics with skill and sensitivity, and uses her platform to raise awareness about things that really matter.

“Lorraine has a deep and genuine connection with her audiences and her longevity reflects the unique importance of daytime television and its enduring power. We are honored to present Lorraine with the BAFTA Special Award at our upcoming BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises on May 12.”

Lorraine was stunned on Monday after picking up a TV BAFTA Special Award while hosting her daily breakfast show.

The presenter was surprised by Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid, who interrupted the show to present her with the award in recognition of a 40-year career in broadcasting.

Kelly, 64, looked visibly surprised when ITV colleague Reid, 53, made her entrance shortly after starting the week.

“Good morning Lorraine, this is a huge surprise,” Reid said. ‘I have a very special announcement for you, Lorraine Kelly.

“It doesn’t get much bigger or more deserved than this. I’m here this morning for a very special reason.’

Waving an envelope, she added: “BAFTA is celebrating your 40 years in broadcasting. Your program has been nominated in the day category, but I have something unique and special for you.

“This is the first time something like this has been announced on air. This is the special gold envelope.

“On behalf of the BAFTA Board of Trustees, we are delighted to present Lorraine Kelly with the Academy Special Award to be presented at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards.”

‘This is crazy! Where are Ant and Dec?’ Kelly replied. “It can’t be a joke, because it’s Susanna!”

Speaking about her milestone 40 years in broadcasting, the Scottish presenter recalled: ‘It’s crazy. I ended up at TVAM in 1984.

‘I was a baby, I got my chance on breakfast television because they were willing to take a risk with someone who was told I would never be on television because of the way I talk.

“The TV-am boss was Australian and heard a Scottish accent and it was one of those things where it was like, ‘Try her.'”

Susanna added: “You are an inspiration to me and women in broadcasting.”

As well as TV-am and her own daily breakfast show, Kelly has worked on Daybreak, GMTV, The New Paul O’Grady Show and Have I Got News For You.

She has also worked as a presenter of the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards and previously hosted her own show on Talk Radio.

Kelly was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for services to charity, before being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2020 for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.