Presenter Lorraine Kelly came under fire on Tuesday morning after attempting to entertain viewers with an April Fool’s Day prank that backfired.
Kelly, 65, was branded “cringeworthy” after trying to convince viewers of her self-titled ITV chat show that she’d received a tattoo line on air – and that she wasn’t impressed with it.
The Scottish host informed those tuned into her morning show that she’d be getting a tattoo in honour of her granddaughter, Billie.
“I’ve decided to get my granddaughter’s name on my arm,” she explained as the supposed tattoo artist appeared to be making a start.
She detailed that she’d opted for purple ink, telling viewers: “I just like purple, and it’s Rose’s favourite colour so it will be nice to remember Billie. The tattoo had to mean something.”
Later in the show, the presenter revealed the “tattoo” live, displaying the word “Billy” with a set of footprints.
As her co-stars gushed over the tattoo, This Morning stars Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were then brought on screen as they joined via video, and appeared awkward when asked by their colleague how the design looked.
“It’s inspired, of course, by my granddaughter Billie,” Kelly added. “Glenn’s just finished it off, I have to say it was a lot more painful than I thought.”
Shephard went on to point out: “Lorraine, I’m just a little concerned about the tattoo, looking at it. I’m right in saying you spell Billie with an ‘ie’, don’t you?”
“Yeah, we do,” Kelly replied before she finally “noticed” the spelling was incorrect.
The TV host put on a display of mock outrage as she exclaimed: “Oh jeez, oh no!”
Also showcasing his acting skills, Shephard responded: “So, I think they can sort it out, can’t they?”
Kelly soon upped her dramatic performance as she fumed: “Honestly, I’m off, I’ve had enough. Goodbye,” before storming off set.
Unfortunately, it seemed nobody was fooled by the skit, with many taking to social media to express their annoyance over the bizarre joke, with some going as far as to suggest Kelly was insulting their intelligence.
“Cringeworthy #lorraine,” one penned simply, with another X user writing: “Terrible April fools joke, Lorraine. You can see it’s been drawn on. #lorraine.”
“Obvs it’s not a real tattoo. It fake just like LK #aprilfool sadly LK will be back tomorrow #lorraine,” a third commented.
One outraged fan asked: “Wtf did I just watch, there is a reason you are a part time host and not an actress #lorraine.”
“Stupid April fool today as well with Lorraine’s tattoo, how stupid do they think we are?” another seethed.
A different viewer quipped: “They all need acting lessons #lorraine,” as another raged: “#lorraine What a load of b******s. Do you think your audience is that gullible?”
Some fell for the prank though, as one posted to admit: “I forgot it was April fools day. I was gonna say, it looks s***! #lorraine.” (sic)