By Peter Omopo
Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has paid an emotional tribute to her father, John Kelly, following his sudden death at the age of 84.
Mr Kelly was found injured on an outdoor path in his hometown of East Kilbride, near St Leonard’s Square shopping centre, on Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards.
In a statement, Police Scotland said the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. Officers are providing support to the family, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Reacting to the loss, Kelly described her father’s death as a shock, despite his recent health challenges. Writing on Instagram, the 66-year-old ITV presenter said she was 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.”
She added: “He was in poor health but it has still been a shock. We will miss you, dad.”
Kelly also shared that she and her brother, Graham, are caring for their mother and requested privacy for the family during the period of mourning.
Tributes and messages of condolence poured in from fans and colleagues across the television industry. Among those offering their sympathies were presenters Davina McCall, Denise Welch and Gabby Logan, whose father, former footballer Terry Yorath, also died earlier this week.
Lorraine Kelly has enjoyed a broadcasting career spanning more than 37 years and has hosted her flagship ITV morning programme Lorraine since 2010.
Confirming the incident, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7:00am on Saturday, we were called to a report of a man found injured on a path. The 84-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.”
The circumstances surrounding the death remain under review, pending the Procurator Fiscal’s assessment.
