‘PRESENTING FROM MY GARAGE REMINDS ME OF THE BROOM CUPBOARD'

Andi Peters on the perils of live TV in lockdown and standing in for Lorraine

Lorraine Kelly is on her summer break, leaving her daily morning show in the more-than-capable hands of TV legend Andi Peters. The former CBBC host will be at the helm of Lorraine for two weeks, so we caught up with him to find out what’s in store, how he felt about turning 50 this year and why he’s thrilled to have his pal Kate Garraway back in the ITV studios…

Andi, are you looking forward to the task ahead?

It’s great they’ve asked me to do it. I’m chuffed. It’s a break from tradition and it’s a real statement from the channel about getting more black faces on TV in lead roles as opposed to support roles, which is really important. I love Lorraine, I’ve known her for 10 years. I’m on her show every day and it’s great to be part of that family. Sitting in for her is an honour.

Lorraine certainly is a TV institution, but so are you, Andi…

She’s been doing telly for 35 years, Phillip [Schofield] for about 33. I’m next on 31/32. Doing live TV is what I do, it’s what I love. Having produced programmes too gives me a better understanding of what makes good telly. I’ve been an editor, producer, commissioning editor and executive. Having all that knowledge in my skillset will mean hopefully I can do Lorraine really well.