Ben Shephard took over presenting duties on ITV's Lorraine yesterday after the show's regular host found herself completely unable to speak following a deteriorating throat condition.
The This Morning presenter stepped into the role at short notice when it became clear Ms Kelly could not front her own programme.
During the handover from Good Morning Britain, Kate Garraway quipped: "Lorraine's looking a bit rough this morning, if I'm honest. Ben Shephard, what are you doing?"
Mr Shephard responded: "I'm not 100 per cent sure, Kate, as you know. But what I can tell you is that unfortunately, if you've been watching this week, Lorraine's voice has been getting very bad."
Lorraine Kelly found herself completely unable to speak following a deteriorating throat condition
|The Lorraine Show
The 66-year-old Scottish presenter had been visibly struggling with her voice throughout the week's broadcasts.
Ms Kelly's vocal troubles first became apparent during Tuesday's programme, when Susanna Reid observed she appeared to be losing her voice.
Ms Reid remarked during the handover between shows: "I have a feeling you might need to ask Dr Amir [Khan] for something for that throat because you sound like you're losing your voice."
Ms Kelly admitted the situation was far from ideal, saying: "It's terrible. I know, it sounds awful... It's really strange."
Ben Shephard took over presenting duties on ITV's Lorraine
|The Lorraine Show
The presenter received medical attention from Dr Amir Khan, who examined her throat and glands during the broadcast.
She later expressed gratitude for the ginger tea he provided, noting she was "feeling a lot better" at that point in the show.
Despite her difficulties, Ms Kelly persevered and appeared on Wednesday's edition of the programme, reassuring viewers about her condition.
"It actually sounds worse than it is. I've got ginger and honey, so many of you recommended that," she told audiences at the start of the show.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Lorraine Kelly has had a health scare
|GETTY
She also mentioned numerous fans had suggested eating raw garlic, although she opted against this to spare her colleagues and husband from the consequences.
However, by Thursday evening, her voice gave out entirely.
Mr Shephard explained the situation to viewers: "It finally collapsed last night. She couldn't say a thing, much to Steve's [her husband] delight – just a few squeaks here and there."
He confirmed he had "jumped into the hot seat just for today" to cover for his colleague.
Social media users quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their reactions to the stand-in presenter.
"Omg how refreshing is it to see @benshephard on #Lorraine!" wrote one viewer.
Another fan commented: "It's sad that poor Lorraine is too unwell for work today, but it's lovely to have an extra half hour of Ben!"
Dr Amir Khan examined the presenter's throat and glands during the broadcast
|ITV
When the programme began, Mr Shephard addressed the audience directly, urging them not to "adjust their sets" before sending well wishes to his absent colleague.
He said during the broadcast: "Everyone here is sending their love, Lorraine, wishing you a speedy recovery."
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter