On the July 18, 2025, episode of ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB), presenter Adil Ray sparked a wave of amusement and admiration from viewers with a sly, tongue-in-cheek comment aimed at his colleague Lorraine Kelly. The Scottish TV icon, who typically hosts her eponymous show Lorraine from Monday to Thursday, made a rare Friday appearance alongside her nearly one-year-old granddaughter, Billie. Ray, co-hosting GMB with Kate Garraway, seized the moment to deliver a playful jab, quipping, “Lorraine is here after 9… In for Lorraine, in fact,” highlighting the surprise of Kelly stepping in for her usual stand-ins, Ranvir Singh or Christine Lampard. This witty remark sent social media, particularly X, abuzz with fans praising Ray’s boldness, with one user declaring, “Adil straight up to her face just said ‘Lorraine sitting in for Lorraine’ I have a new-found respect for him now #lorraine #gmb.”

This article explores the context of Ray’s viral moment, the significance of Kelly’s appearance with her granddaughter, the shifting dynamics of ITV’s daytime programming, and Ray’s evolving role as a presenter known for his humor and candor. At 2,103 words, it delves into the cultural resonance of the episode, the public’s reaction, and the broader implications for ITV amidst its recent scheduling upheaval.

The Scene on Good Morning Britain

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM (extending to 9:30 AM from January 2026), delivering news, debates, and celebrity interviews to millions across the UK. On July 18, 2025, the show featured Adil Ray and Kate Garraway at the helm, covering topics from political developments to entertainment updates. As is customary, the program transitioned to a preview of Lorraine, which follows GMB in ITV’s daytime lineup. Typically, Kelly appears briefly on GMB to tease her show’s content, but her Friday presence was unexpected, given her usual absence on that day.

Lorraine Kelly, 65, entered the GMB studio with her granddaughter Billie, born August 29, 2024, to Kelly’s daughter Rosie and her partner Steve. Beaming with pride, Kelly introduced Billie as her “very special guest” for the entire Lorraine episode, exclaiming, “She’s just the best. The absolute best. She’s nearly a year old. Next month, we might have to have a party. It’s very, very exciting.” The heartwarming moment, with Billie sitting on Kelly’s lap, captivated viewers, but it was Ray’s quick-witted comment that stole the spotlight. His remark, delivered with a chuckle, playfully acknowledged the rarity of Kelly hosting on a Friday, a slot usually filled by Singh or Lampard due to Kelly’s lighter schedule.

The comment landed perfectly, prompting laughter from Kelly and Garraway. Kelly responded with characteristic warmth, saying, “How are you doing? It’s lovely to see you both!” The exchange, while lighthearted, highlighted Ray’s knack for injecting humor into live TV, earning him praise on X. One viewer posted, “Adil’s savage swipe at Lorraine was gold. New-found admiration for him! #GMB.” Another wrote, “Now I understand why #Lorraine has turned up on a Friday. LOOK AT THE BABY LOOK AT THE BABY,” suggesting Kelly’s appearance was motivated by her desire to showcase Billie.

Adil Ray: The Comedian-Turned-Presenter

Adil Ray, 51, is a multifaceted talent—actor, comedian, writer, and presenter—whose career spans radio, television, and theater. Born in Birmingham to a Pakistani father and Kenyan mother, Ray rose to prominence with his BBC sitcom Citizen Khan, which he created and starred in from 2012 to 2016. His radio work on BBC Asian Network and hosting ITV’s game show Lingo further established his versatility. Since joining Good Morning Britain in 2018, initially as a guest presenter replacing Piers Morgan, Ray has become a regular, particularly on Fridays alongside Garraway, Charlotte Hawkins, or Laura Tobin.

Ray’s presenting style is marked by sharp wit and a willingness to engage in candid, sometimes controversial, commentary. His July 2025 jab at Kelly wasn’t his first brush with on-air banter. In 2021, he inadvertently caused a stir by referencing Kelly’s age during a GMB segment about elderly pet ownership, saying, “Lorraine will know!” before quickly backtracking with, “Of course, Lorraine is very young.” Kelly took it in stride, but the moment underscored Ray’s penchant for spontaneous humor, which can occasionally land him in hot water. Earlier in 2025, he faced backlash for comments about darts player Luke Littler’s diet, with viewers accusing him of “fat-shaming,” prompting calls for an Ofcom investigation.

Despite such controversies, Ray’s charm and quick thinking have won him a loyal following. His ability to balance humor with serious journalism—evident in GMB segments on issues like the English Defence League or Tommy Fury’s split—has made him a polarizing yet compelling figure. The Kelly jibe, however, was universally well-received, with fans on X lauding his “cheeky” delivery. “Adil’s got guts to say that to Lorraine’s face,” one user tweeted, adding crying-laughing emojis. The moment solidified Ray’s reputation as a presenter who thrives on live TV’s unpredictability.

Lorraine Kelly: The Daytime Queen and Proud Grandmother

Lorraine Kelly, a fixture of British television since the 1980s, has hosted her ITV show since 2010, following stints on GMTV and Daybreak. Known for her warm, relatable persona, Kelly has built a loyal audience, with Lorraine achieving its highest audience share in four years in June 2025. Her decision to host on a Friday, a rarity, was likely driven by personal joy—sharing Billie’s presence with viewers. Kelly has been vocal about her excitement at becoming a grandmother, posting on Instagram in April 2024 about Rosie’s pregnancy: “THE most exciting thing to have ever happened in our family! Cannot wait to be a granny.”

Billie’s appearance was a highlight for fans, with many on X gushing over the “adorable” moment. Kelly’s pride was palpable as she playfully asked Billie if she wanted to discuss fashion or solve Middle East conflicts, adding, “You could probably solve it better than the rest of them!” However, not all reactions were positive; some viewers questioned the necessity of bringing a baby on air, with one X user sniffing, “What’s the purpose of the baby being present for this segment? #Lorraine.” Despite the mixed response, Kelly’s ability to blend personal milestones with her professional role endeared her to many, reinforcing her status as a daytime TV icon.

The Context of ITV’s Daytime Shake-Up

The July 18 episode occurred against the backdrop of significant changes to ITV’s daytime lineup, announced in May 2025. Starting January 2026, Lorraine and Loose Women will air for only 30 weeks annually, with Lorraine reduced from an hour to 30 minutes (9:30-10:00 AM). Good Morning Britain will extend to 9:30 AM, absorbing the 9:00-9:30 slot previously held by Lorraine. This restructuring, driven by a downturn in advertising revenue, will result in over 220 job cuts across ITV’s daytime staff of approximately 450, affecting shows like GMB, Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women. The changes have sparked concern among presenters, with reports of Kelly feeling “furious” and “insulted” by the reduction, especially as GMB retains its full schedule.

The shake-up also impacts Friday hosts like Singh and Lampard, who typically cover for Kelly. Her appearance on July 18, therefore, was a notable exception, likely tied to her desire to share Billie’s milestone. Ray’s comment cleverly nodded to this scheduling anomaly, amplifying its humor. The restructuring has raised questions about Ray’s own future, with reports suggesting his GMB role may be at risk due to the cuts. Sources indicate that ITV executives met in May 2025 to discuss potential departures, with Ray’s name on the chopping block, partly due to past controversies like the Littler incident. Despite this, his performance on July 18 showcased why he remains a viewer favorite.

Public Reaction: A Social Media Frenzy

The reaction on X was swift and enthusiastic, with Ray’s jibe dominating online chatter. Fans praised his “savage” yet playful delivery, with one user writing, “Adil’s got a new fan in me after that Lorraine burn. #GMB.” Another speculated, “#Lorraine How come she’s in on a Friday? Is it end-of-term party?” The comments reflected a mix of humor and curiosity about Kelly’s unusual appearance, with many linking it to Billie’s presence. The viral moment underscored the power of live TV to generate spontaneous, shareable content, particularly when fueled by Ray’s quick wit.

However, not all feedback was positive. Some viewers expressed frustration with ITV’s scheduling changes, with one X post lamenting, “Lorraine’s show cut to 30 minutes and now she’s on GMB with a baby? What’s going on at ITV?” Others defended Kelly, arguing that her grandmotherly pride was a refreshing change from the usual format. The polarized reactions highlight the challenges ITV faces in balancing viewer expectations with financial pressures.

Adil Ray’s Role in ITV’s Future

Ray’s moment of brilliance comes at a precarious time. His GMB tenure has been marked by both acclaim and criticism. Fans appreciate his energy and humor, with one X user noting, “Adil brings intelligence, clarity, wit & humour to the male half of the team!” Yet, detractors have called him divisive, citing incidents like his Littler comments or a 2023 segment where he was accused of “ranting” over guests. The ITV cuts, which prioritize GMB’s expansion, place Ray in a vulnerable position, with reports suggesting limited shows for him in 2026.

Despite this, Ray’s ability to generate buzz—as seen in the Kelly jibe—makes him a valuable asset. His background in comedy and acting, from Citizen Khan to Ackley Bridge, equips him to handle live TV’s unpredictability. His multicultural perspective also resonates with diverse audiences, aligning with ITV’s efforts to broaden its appeal. Whether he remains a GMB staple or pivots to other projects, Ray’s July 18 performance reaffirmed his knack for stealing the show.

Lorraine Kelly’s Enduring Appeal

Kelly’s appearance with Billie was a testament to her ability to connect with viewers on a personal level. Her 40-year career, spanning TV-am, GMTV, and Lorraine, has made her a beloved figure. Recent reports of her working with Channel 4 on a travel show filmed in Norway suggest she’s exploring new avenues, potentially in response to ITV’s cuts. Her resilience in the face of industry changes mirrors Ray’s adaptability, making their on-air chemistry a highlight of the episode.

The Cultural Moment and ITV’s Challenges

The July 18 episode encapsulated the magic of live television—spontaneous, human, and engaging. Ray’s jibe, Kelly’s warmth, and Billie’s charm created a moment that resonated far beyond the studio. Yet, it also underscored ITV’s broader challenges: navigating budget cuts, job losses, and viewer expectations in a competitive media landscape. The reduction of Lorraine and Loose Women has sparked backlash, with presenters like Ruth Langsford and Kaye Adams reportedly “panicked” about their livelihoods. As ITV consolidates its daytime shows under one production team, the future of talents like Ray and Kelly remains uncertain.

Conclusion: A Viral Moment with Lasting Impact

Adil Ray’s cheeky swipe at Lorraine Kelly on July 18, 2025, was more than a fleeting TV moment—it was a masterclass in live banter that earned him “new-found admiration” from GMB viewers. His humor, paired with Kelly’s heartfelt appearance alongside Billie, captured the essence of daytime TV’s appeal: relatability and spontaneity. As ITV faces a turbulent period of restructuring, Ray’s viral quip and Kelly’s enduring charm highlight the human connections that keep viewers tuned in. Whether Ray continues on GMB or Kelly adapts to her show’s new format, their July 18 exchange will remain a standout moment in British television, proving that even in a changing industry, wit and warmth can steal the show.