Lorraine Kelly appears to have had a change of heart on whether the government should cancel Christmas due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The chat show host, 61, previously called for the UK government to cancel Christmas as she went into a passionate rant during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
However, on Monday’s episode of her eponymous show, Lorraine said she didn’t think the festive period should be cancelled.
U-Turn: Lorraine Kelly appears to have had a change of heart on whether the government should cancel Christmas due to the coronavirus pandemic
The TV star made the comments when she was discussing a poll the show did asking viewers whether Christmas should be put to a stop this year.
Speaking to Dr Hilary Jones, she said: ‘Now look, concerns over the relaxation of the restrictions over Christmas as we know.
‘We did a poll about this about whether or not we should effectively cancel Christmas, very divided, 59% of you said “Yes, we should” 41% “No”.
Lorraine added: ‘I don’t think we should cancel Christmas, nobody wants to do that but I just keep saying, “Just scale it down, be sensible”.’
Opinion: The chat show host, 61, previously called for the UK government to cancel Christmas as she went into a passionate rant during an appearance on Good Morning Britain
Dr Hilary then said: ‘We have always said, haven’t we, that this should be a different Christmas to the ones we are used to.
‘We have only got to look at the prevalence of this virus, it’s still just as transmissible as it has always been.’
‘We are seeing ITU in many hospitals in England right now full of Covid patients, so we are back to where we were before.’
Later, Lorraine reiterated her view, saying: ‘I don’t think it should be cancelled altogether, just scaled back a bit.’
Change of heart: However, on Monday’s episode of her eponymous show, Lorraine said she didn’t think the festive period should be cancelled
Coronavirus restrictions will come into effect between December 23 and 27, allowing relatives to celebrate Christmas at home.
It comes after Lorraine’s appearance on Good Morning Britain in November.
Downing Street was then mulling over whether to allow up to four different households to mix together for five days over the Christmas period.
Speaking to Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid after the pair had discussed the issue with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Lorraine claimed to be ‘so frustrated’ that a decision had not been made to ‘save lives’.
Poll: The TV star made the comments when she was discussing a poll the show did asking viewers whether Christmas should be put to a stop this year
Wallace had insisted the government was aiming to ‘protect lives’, as he said: ‘Come December 2 the decisions will be made that we will try and get that balance right, but ultimately we will try and make sure we protect our NHS and safeguard lives.’
In reaction to his comments Lorraine hit out: ‘Just say it. I’m getting so frustrated about this and I know how important Christmas is, I really do.
‘But for goodness sake, will we stop all this wooliness and trying to be nice and wanting to be loved and wanting to be liked.
‘The leaders who are in charge – say what is right for the country and what is going to save lives.’
Lorraine said: ‘I don’t think we should cancel Christmas, nobody wants to do that but I just keep saying, “Just scale it down, be sensible”‘
Lorraine, who lives with her husband Steve Smith and their daughter Rosie, went on: ‘I mean, what is more important? Having a dinner and being with your family or keeping everybody safe?
‘It’s a no brainer so stop waffling about and say it as it is. “That’s it, it’s gone. Sorry.”
‘You have to be with a smaller amount of people this year, that’s going to be hard, but it means in the New Year, we’ll all get over this quicker.’
Viewers were left torn by Lorraine’s comments at the time, with some agreeing with her and others saying she should consider how people’s mental health will be negatively impacted by such a decision.
Lorraine airs on ITV weekdays at 9am.
Do the right thing: Speaking to Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid last month, Lorraine claimed she was ‘so frustrated’ that a decision had not been made to ‘save lives’