Lorraine Kelly reveals TV boss told her she would never make it in the industry ... trends now
Lorraine Kelly has revealed a TV boss told her she would never make it in the industry due to her 'working-class Glasgow accent' - but now she is set to receive a BAFTA Special Award.
The award-winning presenter, journalist and author Lorraine, 64, will be honoured with a BAFTA Special Award at the forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at the Royal Festival Hall in London on May 12.
The BAFTA Special Award is one of BAFTA’s highest honours, recognising an outstanding contribution to film, games or television.
Previous BAFTA Television Special Award recipients include David Olusoga, Nicola Shindler, Clare Balding, Idris Elba, John Motson, Henry Normal, Nick Fraser, Lenny Henry, Delia Smith and Cilla Black.
Speaking on the struggles she faced when starting out in the industry, Lorraine explained: 'I was given opportunities that, sadly, have become almost non-existent. I went straight to my local newspaper from school and then to the BBC (after acquiring a bottom drawer full of rejection letters).
Lorraine Kelly has revealed a TV boss told her she would never make it in the industry due to her 'working-class Glasgow accent'
Speaking on the struggles she faced when starting out in the industry, Lorraine explained: 'In fact, I was told by the boss of BBC Scotland that I would never make it in TV because of my working-class Glasgow accent.'
'In fact, I was told by the boss of BBC Scotland that I would never make it in TV because of my working-class Glasgow accent.
'It was actually the best thing that could have happened: that comment spurred me to phone the boss of the relatively new breakfast TV station TV- am, who asked me to come down for an interview and then hired me as Scottish correspondent (Bruce Gyngell was Australian so didn't have the same class prejudices reporter!)
She added: 'The high cost of living and working now makes it almost impossible for working class kids from the rest of the country to accept a job in London. That has to change. There also needs to be more opportunities outside of London.
'We quite rightly have stressed the importance of diversity in recent years, but that also has to include young working-class people who understand and can relate to the vast majority of our viewers. It is in all of our interests to make sure they have the opportunity to have their voices heard.'
On receiving the award, Lorraine said: 'It really is an extra special award as it is coming from BAFTA and I feel very honoured. It will be such an incredible evening and I am really looking forward to it.'
Hilary Rosen, Chair of BAFTA's Television Committee, said: 'Lorraine Kelly has been a sparkling presence on our screens for over 40 years and is one of the most well-known and adored stars of Television.
'On ITV's Lorraine she displays a
