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TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Lorraine Kelly to take three weeks off work to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary leaving Helen Skelton and Christine Lampard to host ITV show

Presenter is embarking on a journey of a lifetime from the South Atlantic to South Georgia with her husband

LORRAINE Kelly is to be replaced by Christine Lampard and Helen Skelton as she takes three weeks off to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary.

The popular presenter will take a break from her ITV daytime show to embark on a trip which has been a lifelong ambition of hers, heading from the South Atlantic to South Georgia.

 Lorraine Kelly is taking three weeks off to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary
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Lorraine Kelly is taking three weeks off to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversaryCredit: Getty Images

The journey will follow the one taken by Polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton taken a century ago, and while she's away, she will be leaving her show in the capable hands of Christine and Helen.

Lorraine said: “I’m so excited for what will definitely be a trip of a lifetime and I feel very reassured to know that the show is in such safe hands while I’m away.

"I’ll be keeping in touch from Antarctica throughout my journey and I look forward to sharing my adventure with Lorraine viewers when I get back!”

 Helen Skelton and Christine Lampard will fill in for Lorraine while she's away
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Helen Skelton and Christine Lampard will fill in for Lorraine while she's awayCredit: PA:Press Association

It won't be the first time Helen, 33, has presented the show, having filled in for the 57-year-old in October last year.

The star, who is currently pregnant with her second child, will host from Monday,  February 20, and will be her last presenting gig before she goes off on maternity leave.

She said: "I can’t wait to be back on Lorraine, it’s such a great team to work with and I had a lot of fun presenting the show last time."

Christine, 38, will take over from Helen the following week to present for the fortnight before Lorraine returns.

 Lorraine is about to celebrate 25 years of marriage with husband Steve Smith
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Lorraine is about to celebrate 25 years of marriage with husband Steve SmithCredit: Action Images
 Lorraine is leaving the show in good hands
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Lorraine is leaving the show in good handsCredit: ITV

She said: "I’m excited to be fronting the show for a couple of weeks! I’m a huge fan of Lorraine and am flattered to have been asked to fill her shoes.

"I know there are some great guests coming up over the next few weeks and I’m looking forward to chatting to them too.”

 Helen will host from Monday for a week before going on maternity leave
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Helen will host from Monday for a week before going on maternity leaveCredit: Getty Images - WireImage
 Meanwhile Christine will host for the second and third week
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Meanwhile Christine will host for the second and third weekCredit: Getty Images

Lorraine Editor Sue Walton added of the two guest hosts: "We’re delighted to welcome Helen back to Lorraine - along with her energy, sparkle and empathy and love of live TV.

"Christine shares this love for live TV and we’re excited to be introducing her to Lorraine viewers.

"Christine is a natural, warm and charismatic broadcaster and as she and Helen take their turn at the helm, the show promises to be as engaging, lively and entertaining as ever.”

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