“This Christmas, her heart holds a brand-new title…” Lorraine Kelly is stepping into the festive season with a nickname that says everything: “the most doting grandma of the year.” Away from the studio lights and applause, her focus is on the little things — the carefully chosen gifts, the quiet excitement, and the joy of watching her granddaughter’s eyes light up. Behind the smiles, this Christmas carries a deeper meaning for Lorraine. A slower pace. A fuller heart. And a kind of happiness that feels more precious than ever.
Scottish daytime TV icon Lorraine Kelly has embraced life as a doting grandmother — and this Christmas, she has no intention of holding back.
Lorraine Kelly became a grandmother last year when her daughter Rosie welcomed baby Billie(Image: SWNS)
The much-loved ITV presenter, 66, became a grandmother last year when her daughter Rosie Smith, 31, welcomed baby Billie with fiancé Steve White. Now, as the festive season approaches, Lorraine and Rosie have shared an intimate glimpse into their family’s Christmas plans — from double celebrations and sparkly trees to the joy (and exhaustion) of life with a toddler.
Warm, candid and as down-to-earth as ever, Lorraine also reflects on major changes ahead — including her daughter’s upcoming wedding, her own future on ITV, and the delicate balance of family life in the public eye.
‘Christmas Comes Around So Fast’
Lorraine could well be the most famous grandmother in the country now, and is unashamedly spoiling baby Billie at Christmas
Speaking together, mother and daughter admit that Christmas has crept up on them once again.
“Oh, it’s the same every year,” Lorraine laughs. “You blink and suddenly it’s December.”
The daytime star is looking forward to Christmas with her family(Image: SWNS)
Rosie, however, reveals she’s been more organised than usual. “I was sorted early this year — probably a bit mad,” she says. “But mum and dad’s birthdays are in November, so I kind of do everything at once.”
Lorraine adds that a recent house move — chosen so she could live closer to Rosie and Billie — has left her slightly behind. “We’ve been up to our eyeballs with boxes,” she jokes.
Two Christmas Days — and a Baby Who Loves the Sparkle
Lorraine has been a fixture on ITV for decades, but next year, her eponymous chat show will face a reduction in episodes(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
The family plans to split the festivities across multiple homes, ensuring Billie enjoys the best of both worlds.
Rosie explains: “We’ll have Christmas morning at my house, then we’ll walk to mum’s — it’s literally six minutes away. And then on Boxing Day, we’ll do Christmas all over again at my partner’s parents’ house.”
At 16 months old, Billie is already starting to sense the magic. “Last year she was only four months old,” Rosie says. “This year, she’s a bit more ‘Ooh!’ She loves the lights and the tree.”
‘I’ve Bought All of Billie’s Presents’
As for Lorraine — arguably the country’s most famous granny — there’s no denying how seriously she takes the role.
“Oh, totally,” she admits. “When I say I haven’t bought any presents, what I mean is I haven’t bought any presents for anyone else. I’ve bought all of Billie’s.”
She laughs as she confesses her biggest weakness: “I buy her something and then I don’t want to wait — I want to give it to her straight away!”
Her husband, Steve Smith, is equally besotted. “It gives him a new lease of life,” Lorraine says. “As grandparents, you see the world through their little eyes. It’s just magical.”
Motherhood, Exhaustion — and No Rush for Baby Number Two
Rosie, meanwhile, is candid about how life has changed since becoming a mum.
“I knew it would be full-on, but I didn’t realise it would be constant,” she admits. “The sleep deprivation is real. You’re basically a zombie.”
Despite friends already expanding their families, Rosie says there’s no rush. “We’re getting married next year — I want to focus on that first.”
Lorraine, clearly emotional, adds that Billie may even have a starring role. “She’ll be nearly two — she could be a wee flower girl.”
Protecting Billie from the Spotlight
Given Lorraine’s long TV career, the family is acutely aware of public exposure.
“I was very careful with Rosie,” Lorraine explains. Rosie agrees, saying she’s selective about what she shares. “At this age, babies all look like babies. But later on, no — I won’t put her out there.”
Lorraine reveals viewers’ kindness has been overwhelming. “People knitted blankets, cardigans — it was incredibly touching.”
Changes at ITV — and a Career Built Over Decades
Lorraine also reflects on upcoming changes at ITV, including a reduction in episodes of her long-running show.
“It wasn’t my decision,” she says calmly. “But I feel lucky to still be doing what I love.”
Having spent over four decades on television, she remains philosophical. “I’ve seen many changes. What matters is that I still enjoy it — and I really do.”
‘We Have to Make the World More Child-Friendly’
Looking back, Lorraine notes how attitudes toward women and motherhood on TV have evolved.
“When I started, seeing a pregnant woman on screen caused outrage,” she says. “Now we celebrate it — and that’s how it should be.”
She adds: “We still have a long way to go, but progress matters.”
As Christmas approaches, one thing is certain: for Lorraine Kelly, family comes first — and baby Billie is firmly at the heart of it all.
