Lorraine’s former boss has said: “Recollections may vary” about the start of her career (Image: ITV)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeLorraine Kelly has come under fire for allegedly “lying” about the origins of her career, according to a former boss. The ITV host, now 64, kicked off her television journey in the 1980s as a journalist with Scottish channel STV and has since become a familiar face on our screens, charming viewers every weekday morning with her eponymous show. However, a previous employer has stepped out of the shadows, accusing Lorraine of fabricating the story of her early days in the industry. The claims surfaced during a documentary tribute to Lorraine’s illustrious TV career, where she was lauded by celebrities and expressed gratitude to those who aided her rise to fame. Despite an outpouring of affection from colleagues, family, and admirers, one ex-colleague wasn’t feeling as much of the love. Mike Hollingsworth, a former TV executive, insists he played a pivotal role in launching Lorraine’s career. In the film, Lorraine reminisced about being a little-known junior intern at a regional office before boldly reaching out to the breakfast team’s managing director, which led to her big break and a move to London for a new job, reports the Daily Star. Mike, who was once married to fellow breakfast TV star Anne Diamond, has a different take on the story. He directly challenged her account in a chat with MailOnline, asserting: “Once again she credits the late Australian MD of TV-am with giving her the chance of a job.”
Lorraine back in 2005
(Image: Getty Images)
He expressed his frustration, saying: “This is absolutely untrue – in fact the reverse was the case,” and revealed, “Bruce Gyngell didn’t initially like my choice because of her Scottish brogue but I took a stand against his view.” He continued, somewhat peeved: “I am a bit miffed that she constantly refers to her beginnings as if Bruce Gyngell was the author of them. I’m not saying that I was solely responsible – I’m just saying that some recollections may vary.” Sign up to OK!’s TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
Mike Hollingsworth, with former wife Anne Diamond, has different memories of Lorraine’s start in TV
(Image: EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS)
Lorraine’s journey to stardom was celebrated by her nearest and dearest, as she reminisced about her early days in the industry. Despite the nostalgia, she acknowledged the hurdles she faced, particularly from television executives who weren’t fans of her strong Glaswegian accent. After being advised to take “elocution lessons,” Lorraine confessed feeling “crushed” by the criticism that threatened her aspirations. Nevertheless, her resolve didn’t waver, and she made a bold move by phoning the channel’s managing director. Her gumption paid off when he was charmed by her eagerness and offered her an audition. She reminisced abouther lucky break, saying: “So I went down, did the audition and as the boss was Australian he didn’t hear a working class Glasgow accent,” and added with a touch of pride, “He just heard a Scottish accent and gave me the job which was amazing because you didn’t have people sounding like me on the telly at that time.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnLorraineLorraine Kelly
