I want to be like Attenborough & keep working...I just can't see myself retiring

SHE has notched up four decades in the spotlight after making her debut on TV-AM back in 1984, going on to become one of TV's most recognisable faces.

Now Lorraine Kelly's long and varied career is to be recognised at the BAFTAs. 

The 64-year-old will receive a Special Award on Sunday to commemorate her unstoppable broadcasting career.

And Lorraine shows no sign of resting on her laurels. "I don't think I would ever retire, she said. "I look at people like Jane Goodall, who I interviewed recently. The amazing lady who works with chimpanzees, she's 90 years old.

"I look at David Attenborough, I look at people like Michael Palin, and they still work really, really hard because they love what they do. They still have a curiosity and they want to learn things.

"I have still got lots to do and lots of people to talk to."

In 40 years on the box, Lorraine has reported on every big event in recent history, from the 1988 Lockerbie air disaster to the King's Coronation. She has interviewed prime ministers, royalty and Hollywood stars.

Not bad for a reporter who first started as a trainee on the East Kilbride News before landing a job at BBC Scotland as a researcher.

She applied to be TV-AM'S Scottish correspondent in 1984.

It was here that she met her future husband, cameraman Steve Smith, and now their daughter Rosie, 29, is expecting her first baby in August.

Lorraine says becoming a grandmother is very much the icing on the cake. "We're really, really looking forward to it," she said.

"It's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to our family in a long time because there have not been that many babies.