Lorraine Kelly, 65, branded 'a disgrace' for 'appalling' Kim Woodburn death announcement live on air: 'Shocked at lack of empathy!'

WATCH HERE: Kim Woodburn walks off Loose Women show after famous Coleen Nolan clash

ITV
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 17/06/2025

- 13:05

The Scottish TV presenter was presenting an episode of her talk show when the sad news broke

Lorraine Kelly, 65, has come under heavy criticism from several ITV viewers thanks to her "mealy-mouthed" announcement of Kim Woodburn's death.

The Celebrity Big Brother and I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! icon died on Monday at the age of 83, with her representatives confirming the sad news on Tuesday morning.


Soon after, several names from the world of showbiz have paid tribute to the outspoken TV personality, including Jedward, Ian 'H' Watkins, and GB News' very own Stephen Dixon.

Kelly, however, appeared unmoved by the news when tasked with announcing Woodburn's death while live on air during Tuesday's show.

ITV Lorraine: Kim Woodburn

ITV Lorraine: News of Kim Woodburn's death broke during Tuesday's show

ITV

Returning from an ad break, a photo of Woodburn appeared on-screen as Kelly narrated: "Welcome back! Some news just breaking in the last few minutes.

"Kim Woodburn, who I'm sure you know... well, she's died at the age of 83.

"Famous, of course, for How Clean Is Your House and her controversial time on Celebrity Big Brother.

"A representative for Kim said, 'It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness'. Right, it is 10 past nine."

ITV Lorraine: Lorraine Kelly

ITV Lorraine: Lorraine Kelly was deemed by many viewers to be dismissive of the sad news

ITV

Kelly soon moved on with her show and introduced guests Emily Clarkson and Jo Elvin to go over the other headlines making the news.

However, the seemingly flippant way in which Kelly delivered the news left plenty to be desired among Woodburn's fans, who flocked to social media to call out the presenter.

"#Lorraine you are a disgrace announcing the death of Kim Woodburn, without a sorrow in your face," one X user raged. "I hope you get cancelled by ITV (@reallorraine @lorraine)! Disgrace of a presenter!"

Elsewhere, a second echoed: "A very mealy mouth announcement from... #lorraine about the passing of #kimwoodburn. Just proves how nasty and false Lorraine actually is IMO."

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ITV Lorraine: Lorraine Kelly

ITV Lorraine: Lorraine Kelly came under fire from several viewers on X

X

The criticism kept on coming from a third who added: "I’m actually shocked at the lack of empathy Lorraine showed announcing the death of Kim Woodburn.

"Surely professionalism would dictate that you hide contempt for someone when announcing their death. Appalling. Hope #ITV see these comments. #lorraine."

Meanwhile, a fourth suggested: "#lorraine she might as well have raised a champagne glass when saying the news of Kim's death!! Total fake..."

"#Lorraine couldn’t be less bothered when announcing under the headline of breaking news that Kim Woodburn has died," a fifth pointed out while a sixth mused: "I'm guessing #lorraine wasn't a fan of Kim Woodburn then...." (sic)

Kim Woodburn

Kim Woodburn was arguably most famous for her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017

CHANNEL 5

Kelly is yet to publicly address the backlash she's faced for her approach to the news, but she isn't the only famous face to come under fire for their reaction following Woodburn's death.

Woodburn's former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Coleen Nolan sparked furious reactions from the late celebrity's fans for her social media activity on Tuesday.

Prior to Woodburn's death becoming public knowledge, Nolan had revealed to her followers on Instagram that she was boarding a flight heading to Greece.

Once she landed and news of Woodburn's passing broke, Nolan continued to share updates from her luxurious-looking getaway.

Woodburn

Kim Woodburn's death was announced by her representatives on Tuesday

GETTY

Later in the day, when tributes from the showbiz world began to pour in, Nolan continued to provide updates from Greece, seemingly avoiding mention of Woodburn's death.

Woodburn's fans took to X to criticise Nolan for the posts, given the high-profile nature of their long-running feud.

Nolan and Woodburn had been at loggerheads ever since they both participated in the 2017 series of CBB, in which the late TV star accused the Loose Women panellist of "bullying".

Woodburn famously ended up storming off Loose Women after being invited on by ITV producers to reconcile with Nolan, only to become embroiled in a hot-tempered shouting match with the singer.

Other stars have shared more fond memories of Woodburn, however, including Camilla Tominey, Jordan Sangha, and many more.

Her husband Peter also broke cover on Tuesday morning to share a heartfelt 12-word tribute to his late wife via her Instagram page.

He penned alongside a slideshow of his wife through the years: "My wonderful, beautiful, Kim passed away last night.

"God bless, my love, xxxx," he signed off. (sic)