After battling the blues in 2016, Lorraine Kelly tells Closer Magazine how she got her mojo back - and reveals why she understands Ant McPartlin's struggle with painkillers
She's never seen without her trademark beaming smile and has carved out a place as one of the bubbliest presenters on our TV screens. But queen of daytime television Lorraine Kelly reveals that, last year, she was struggling to look on the bright side and battling with negative feelings. "I lost my mojo, I really did," she tells Closer Magazine.
Here she is with her beautiful doggy Angus, looking bright and smiley as ever.
Lorraine says: "I didn't feel like me. It was weird. Things didn't feel quite right. I wouldn't say I was depressed at all but I wasn't seeing much joy in things."
Lorraine admits that she kept it secret as she didn't understand why she was feeling that way: "I kept thinking, 'Hang on a minute, I've got a brilliant job and, much more importantly, I've got a great family and pals. What's wrong with me?'
Her husband, camera-man Steve Smith, and her daughter Rosie, 23, had no idea she was not herself.
"I am good at hiding things. I tend to plaster a smile on and just get on with it. That's what most women do," she says.
"But it was just that my hormones were all over the place. It's like when you're pregnant and you find yourself sobbing at adverts, which is what I used to do!
"Like any woman of my age, I was - and am - going through the menopause."
Eventually, Lorraine, 57, turned to close colleague Dr Hilary Jones, who works on her TV show, and confided that she was not sleeping well and didn't feel herself. He told her that her symptoms were classic menopausal signs and recommended HRT patches. Within a few weeks of using them, she began to feel more normal.
She says: "They're fantastic and re-balanced me. Now I can understand why I wasn't feeling myself. It was just a blip, but it did feel disheartening." Lorraine also says her healthy diet and exercise - her fitness DVD with her instructor Maxine Jones was a bestseller - helped her mood.
The size 10 star credits walking everywhere and her regular aerobics and dance classes with close friend Maxine for keeping her in great shape: "It does me good physically but so much good mentally too. I love it."
Lorraine also reveals how she admires TV presenter Carol Vorderman who spoke out recently on her show about how the menopause left her at an all-time low.
Lorraine says: "I'm very fond of Carol and she had a terrible time. She was clinically depressed and at one point she didn't see any point in carrying on. There are very few taboos but it's one of the things we don't talk about - and we should! I didn't have nearly as tough a time as her, but I thought it was great she talked about it. Far too many women suffer in silence. I urge women, if they are feeling like that in their 40s or 50s, to check with their GP if they are peri-menopausal. Why feel embarrassed about it?"
Although Lorraine has enjoyed good health, she had a horrific horse riding accident in 2012 and injured her leg, for which she was prescribed the painkiller Tramadol. She sympathises with Ant McPartlin, who recently admitted he was hooked on painkillers for chronic knee pain and is now in rehab for his addiction.
She explains: "I was on Tramadol - the same as poor Ant - for a few days, but I didn't like what it was doing to me. It was far too seductive. The world seemed far too fluffy and I decided I would rather suffer than have that woolly feeling in my head. I hated not being myself - and the lack of control.
"I was really upset for Ant and thought it was really brave of him to admit he has a problem," she says. "I'm convinced he'll bounce back and we'll see those two gorgeous boys doing I'm A Celebrity in November. I'm glad he's getting help. He's surrounded by great people."
Now, Lorraine, is back to her best too, enjoying her morning ITV show and looking forward to launching her next clothing range for online fashion retailer JD Williams.
She says: "I love having my own collection! It's all the clothes I would want to wear and I am really proud of it. There is nothing nicer than getting a photo from someone wearing one of my dresses, saying: 'This is me at my daughter's wedding!'"
She admits she's missing her own daughter Rosie, who's been working for a charity in Singapore since last September.
Lorraine smiles: "It's great because her lunch-time coincides with when I'm having my make-up done so we FaceTime. Then at weekends, her Dad and I have a Skype chat with her. She's doing great. I brought her up to be an independent girl but of course I still miss her!"
During her summer break, Lorraine will jet off to spend two weeks with Rosie: "I miss our shopping expeditions, so when I see her we'll visit the malls - I might need a couple of extra suitcases to bring it all back!"
Lorraine is also looking forward to celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary with Steve this year: "He's my husband but he's also my best friend. He sends me messages on WhatsApp and I belly laugh. He's so funny and supportive. I just don't know what I'd do without him, it would like cutting my arm off. He's my rock."
Asked how she keeps her youthful looks, the star laughs: "It's nothing to do with me, it's all to do with my mother - I'm so lucky I inherited her cheekbones and her good skin. She's 75 and looks at least 10 years younger. She's amazing!"
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LORRAINE'S LIFE MANTRA
In a crisis I'd turn to... My husband Steve or my best friend Joyce who I've known since I was 12. She is always there for me.
The last time I cried was... Watching an episode of the BBC series Broken with Sean Bean. It was so moving. And I always cry at Holby, I love it.
The song that makes me happy is... Club Tropicana by Wham! Every time I hear it, I think I'm on holiday! It's so joyful.
**My motto is...**Don't keep things for best. Use everything now, even your best knickers! And wear that expensive perfume every day.
Check out these amazing celebrity body transformations:
CLOSER Celebrity weight transformations - slider and stacked
1 of 70Jonathan Tapper, 2015
Gogglebox's Jonathan Tapper was previously 21st 3lbs, but he slimmed down to 18st 8lbs after being diagnosed with diabetes in 2015.
2 of 70Jonathan Tapper, 2019
The Channel 4 star dropped 3 stone in 12 weeks and the North Londoner reckons he was consuming over 3,000 calories a day. He has now reduced his intake to 1,800 daily in order to keep the weight off, ensuring that he exercises too.
3 of 70Susanna Reid, 2017
Susanna previously admitted on Good Morning Britain that she lost weight due to health issues. She explained: "It was a combination of factors, but a doctor said I was at the top end of my BMI."He said it might benefit me if I lost a little weight."
4 of 70Susanna Reid, 2019
She pretty much looks the exact same but has confessed she's cut the booze and snacking. Piers Morgan has also said she's "never been happier".
5 of 70Tommy Mallet, 2018
Tommy has long been our number one boy hun on TOWIE. He transformed himself from cuddly sweetheart...
6 of 70Tommy Mallet, 2019
...to ripped DEMI GOD. Tommy credited his new physique to an intense daily exercise regime and healthy eating plan.
7 of 70Jenna Jameson, 2015
American former adult film star Jenna Jameson stormed British TV screens on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015.
8 of 70Jenna Jameson, 2018
She put on some pounds following the birth of her children and astonished fans when she shared incredible before and after pictures, revealing she'd dropped 80lb.
9 of 70Tyne Lexi, May 2018
Love Island 2017 cast mate Tyne put on two stone after appearing in the looking-for-love show. She still looked simply stunning, mind.
10 of 70Tyne Lexi, July 2018
Tyne shed inches using a combination of Shake it Slim meal replacements and some pretty hardcore work out routines. Go, Lexi!
11 of 70Gary Barlow, 1996
The Take That frontman shared this photo in February 2018 to remind himself how far he's come in his weight loss journey. Gary went up to around 16st after Take That split in 1996.
12 of 70Gary Barlow, 2017
These days, Gary eats healthily and takes part in yoga every week. He now weighs less than 12st.
13 of 70Josie Gibson, 2010
When Josie won Big Brother in 2010, she was a size 20 dress size and reportedly weighed 16st 17lb.
14 of 70Josie Gibson, 2012
Josie famously went through a huge weight loss transformation in 2012, dropping to a size 8 and reportedly weighing 10st 2lb.
15 of 70Mariah Carey, 2017
Mariah Carey stepped out in August 2017 with her boyfriend Brian Tanaka in New York.
16 of 70Mariah Carey, 2017
Just three months later in October, she looked dramatically different - and was reported to have undergone liposuction.
17 of 70Lisa Riley, 2012
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley was known for her size 28 frame, but fans were pleasantly surprised by her sprightliness while on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
18 of 70Lisa Riley, 2018
Lisa went under a huge lifestyle overhaul, losing a whopping 12 stone and dropping from a size 28 to a 12 before having her excess skin removed in 2017.
19 of 70Dawn French, 2005
Everyone's favourite comedienne Dawn French previously weighed around 19st.
20 of 70Dawn French, 2018
But in 2016, Dawn lost an incredible seven and a half stone - here's how she did it.
21 of 70Scarlett Moffatt, 2015
Gogglebox favourite Scarlett Moffatt was well-loved for her bubbly personality, but had issues with her weight.
22 of 70Scarlett Moffatt, 2016
A year later, Scarlett underwent a huge weight loss - dropping from a size 18 to an 8. Read all about it here.
23 of 70Kelly Brook, 2010
Model and presenter Kelly Brook has always had perfect hour glass curves, but she shrunk to a size 8 in 2010 when she became the face of Ultimo and appeared in American Playboy magazine.
24 of 70Kelly Brook, 2018
Approaching her 40s as a happy and healthy size 12, Kelly has spoken about how she's just not bothered about staying a size 8 anymore. But she recently shared how putting weight on her famous big boobs might be causing a bit of a health issue.
25 of 70Katie Hopkins, 2014
Controversial Katie Hopkins was a regular runner who gained a whopping 3st 5lb in just three months and weighed 12st. But Katie has always said there are 'no excuses' for people being overweight - so what happened?!
26 of 70Katie Hopkins, 2015
It turned out Katie's rapid weight gain was for a documentary to prove how easy it is for her to lose weight - which she did in just a few months. But we can't help but think it was all a bit of a, errr, pointless exercise?
27 of 70Tom Kerridge, 2013
TV chef Tom Kerridge weighed a dangerous 30st which he says was due to a lifestyle of late night drinking and overeating.
28 of 70Tom Kerridge, 2016
After a complete lifestyle overhaul, Tom shredded a staggering 12st - which is basically the same weight as another grown adult. Impressive work, Tom!
29 of 70Brooke Vincent, 2017
Corrie actress Brooke Vincent was already a petite size 10 but she wanted to give up smoking and get fit for Dancing on Ice.
30 of 70Brooke Vincent, 2017
And she did it! Brooke lost a dress size and showed off her seriously toned tum on Instagram. She also managed to kick her smoking habit. Yay!
31 of 70Holly Willoughby, 2015
Morning TV star Holly Willoughby has always had enviable curves and was a size 12 up until fairly recently.
32 of 70Holly Willoughby, 2017
She looked noticeably slimmer in 2017 when Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha commented on it accidentally on live TV. Holly's secret to staying in shape is said to be a healthy lifestyle of pilates, kickboxing and a high vegetable diet.
33 of 70Lauren Goodger, 2017
Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger has always battled with her yo-yo weight.
34 of 70Lauren Goodger, 2018
Following a tough 21 day juice cleanse at a retreat earlier this year, Lauren lost 1.4st.
35 of 70Khloe Kardashian, 2012
Khloe owns the kind of curves that can only belong to a Kardashian! She is the tallest sister in the fam at 5ft 9in and she reportedly weighed just over 11st in 2012.
36 of 70Khloe Kardashian, 2017
Fast forward five years and Khloe shredded 30 pounds through a strict exercise regime and diet. She has spoken about how her split from Lamar Odom triggered her decision to hit the gym.
37 of 70Jennifer Hudson, 2007
Singing sensation and The Voice judge Jennifer Hudson was a size 16 when she first came to our attention as the American Idol winner in 2007.
38 of 70Jennifer Hudson, 2018
As her career grew her body shrunk after joining Weight Watchers and taking control of her diet. Jennifer dropped five dress sizes and today is a size 6.
39 of 70Johnny Vegas, February 2017
Johnny Vegas was long known for his fuller figure as well as his funny way with words, and that relationship with a tea loving monkey.
40 of 70Johnny Vegas, July 2018
Johnny unveiled his trim new look on Instagram after dropping a whopping three stone through following a healthy eating and fitness plan.
41 of 70Christina Aguilera, 2012
In 2012 Xtina's womanly curves weighed 10 stone 7lb on her 5ft 1 frame and she wore a size 16.
42 of 70Christina Aguilera, 2016
The pop megastar dropped two stones by 2016 thanks to cutting out bad foods and being very strict with booze. But we're glad to see she's still rocking those curves!
43 of 70Cheryl, 2015
Nation's sweetheart Cheryl Tweedy has always been super slim but she sparked concerns with her fragile frame during X Factor filming in 2015.
44 of 70Cheryl, 2018
Cheryl quickly lost the pregnancy weight after giving birth to baby Bear in 2017. She was looking slim but strong at the Brit Awards 2018.
45 of 70Melissa McCarthy, 2014
The hilarious Melissa McCarthy weighed just under 19st in 2014 after her brilliant performance in Bridesmaids.
46 of 70Melissa McCarthy, 2017
5ft 2 Melissa lost an amazing 75 pounds through a very strict diet and exercise regime. She looks happier (and even more amazing!) than ever.
47 of 70Rebel Wilson, 2010
Actress Rebel Wilson defied the typical Hollywood body when she starred in Bridesmaids with fellow actress Melinda McCarthey.
48 of 70Rebel Wilson, 2017
In 2016 Rebel looked great after losing eight pounds at a fitness retreat in Malibu. By 2017 she'd lost an incredible 33 pounds.
49 of 70Jonah Hill, 2007
Jonah Hill has always been the 'cuddly' character in films like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and 21 Jump Street.
50 of 70Jonah Hill, 2018
What a difference a year makes. He said he lost the weight and toned up by cutting out beer, seeking a nutritionist and getting tips from 21 Jump Street co-star Channing Tatum.
51 of 70Chris Pratt, 2010
Chris Pratt has always been a total cutie...
52 of 70Chris Pratt, 2018
But he transformed into an absolute hunk after losing 60 pounds and training for Guardians of the Galaxy.
53 of 70Chanelle Hayes, April 2018
Big Brother star Chanelle Hayes is infamous for her changing frame. In 2018 she documented her weight loss following the birth of her second son Frankie.
54 of 70Chanelle Hayes, July 2018
Chanelle told her followers: "I am absolutely BUZZING at my progress so far. Slow and steady is definitely winning the race..."
55 of 70Alan Halsall, circa July 2017
Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street, has always had fans but he upped his game from cute and cuddly to all out FITLORD in 2018.
56 of 70Alan Halsall, July 2018
The charming actor posted a svelte looking snap to his Instagram account and fans went wild for his new look.
57 of 70Scott Maslen
Jack Branning actor Scott Maslen has always been a bit of a heartthrob on the Square.
58 of 70Scott Maslen
But we never knew THIS was hiding under those suits. The star admitted to being addicted to working out recently on his Instagram.
59 of 70Courtney Green
TOWIE star Courtney Green has always looked fab and we first saw her on our TV screen back in 2016.
60 of 70Courtney Green
Following her split with Myles Barnett she showed him and her thousands of Instagram followers what he's missing. Go girl!
61 of 70Catherine Tyldesley
Corrie's Catherine Tyldesley has been very open about her weight loss transformation and regularly documents her workouts at the gym on Instagram.
62 of 70Catherine Tyldesley
After leaving Coronation Street, the actress decided to take a 12 week transformation challenge and she looks amazing!
63 of 70James Hooton
He's played innocent and lovely Sam Dingle since 1995 but fans couldn't believe it when he shared a topless photo in 2018...
64 of 70James Hooton
So that's what Sam Dingle looks like underneath that infamous green jacket. The Emmerdale actor looks AMAZING.
65 of 70Paddy McGuinness
At 6 ft 1, Paddy McGuinness has always been the kinda guy you just want a big old bear hug from!
66 of 70Paddy McGuinness
Over recent years, the Take Me Out presenter has been influenced by his fitness fanatic wife Christine to hit the gym in their Cheshire home. He dropped from 14 stn to 13 stn 9 lb in 2018, saying he's happy with his size.
67 of 70Gemma Collins
Gemma has always been mega-glam, but her weight has fluctuated over the years and she'd admitted that she often feels self conscious around her ultra slim TOWIE co stars.
68 of 70Gemma Collins
After a vigorous few months training for Dancing on Ice, the GC earned a legion of new fans, but lost a whopping two stone!
69 of 70Emma Chawner, 2007
During Emma's first audition she told the judges she "couldn't do anymore" singing and after they told her she couldn't sing, her parents went on to confront them all. The dramz.
70 of 70Emma Chawner, 2019
Fast forward 12 years since her first audition and Emma revealed after swapping junk food for a healthy lifestyle she dropped 12 stone in just two years.
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Lorraine Kelly once emotionally opened up about wanting more kids, saying 'IVF was too hard'.
Speaking to The Mirror, she explained: "I would’ve loved to have had more kids, if that was possible.
"But to be honest with you, I didn’t want it enough to go down that IVF road because I’ve got friends who have done it and it’s hard. It might have been different if we hadn’t had Rosie."
She added simply: "In an ideal world I would’ve loved a football team of kids."
It is not the first time the mother-of-one, who suffered a miscarriage in 2001, has opened up about her desire to have more children.