TV host Lorraine Kelly has announced her father, John, has died at the age of 84.
Lorraine, 66, said in an Instagram post that he was in ‘poor health’ but it had still come as a ‘shock’.
Her caption read: ‘Very sad news. My dad has died.
‘I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything.’
Lorraine shared a picture earlier this afternoon of her smiling with her late dad, alongside heartfelt words.
The post continued: ‘Any of you who have experienced a similar loss will know how my brother Graham and I are feeling.
‘Our priority is taking care of my mum and the family would very much appreciate privacy at this distressing time.
‘We will miss you dad ❤️’.
Messages of support flooded Lorraine’s comments, including one from actor Dawn French, who wrote: ‘Love wrapped around you’.
Jeremy Vine added: ‘I’m so sorry for your loss, Lorraine.’
And Vanessa Feltz commented: ‘O Lorraine I am so terribly sorry to hear this. I know what a close and loving family you are.
‘Sending love and my deepest condolences.’
Fellow ITV star Ben Shephard also said: ‘So so sorry to hear this Lorraine, send love and hugs to all the family.’
Lorraine’s father was 18 when she was born, and gave her a ‘love of reading, astronomy and a strong work ethic’, according to an Instagram post she shared on Father’s Day in 2019.
John was a retired television service engineer.
Lorraine told The Times in a 2008 interview that until she was 13 she lived in one room with her dad, mum and brother.
They lived in the East End of Glasgow, before moving to East Kilbride.
John told The Times that Lorraine had ‘hunger and drive, as well as ability’.
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