TV

Lorraine Kelly regrets raising sensitive subject with Jake Quickenden live on air

She put him on the spot

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Lorraine Kelly has admitted she should have been more sensitive when she interviewed Jake Quickenden yesterday about any plans to start a family in the future.

The X Factor star was on her show to speak about his forthcoming appearance on Dancing On Ice, but the discussion soon turned to his private life as she congratulated him on his recent engagement.

Jake is set to marry Danielle Fogarty, the daughter of motorbike champion Carl Fogarty who he met when he appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2014.

Speaking about their future together, Lorraine said: “She’s gorgeous, when the time is right you two will make the most beautiful babies!”

Jake laughed off the comment at the time saying: “We won’t talk babies yet! We’ve only just got engaged, come on!”

Lorraine today admitted it was rude of her to broach the subject of having children when she had no idea if the couple would want – and be able to – have them.

Her realisation came as she spoke to Dr Hilary Jones and Dr Larisa Corda about the issues experienced by infertile couples as it is currently National Infertility Week.

Read more: “Veteran reality TV” star named as latest Dancing On Ice contestant

“We’re talking about how it’s hard to know what you should and shouldn’t say to someone struggling to conceive,” she said. “It is often asked of people after they get married. Only yesterday I told Jake he’d have beautiful babies and then I thought to myself ‘you just don’t know’.”

Dr Corda said: “It is such a sensitive subject and women who struggle to have children can find it difficult to be open about it. They harbour a lot of guilt and are made to feel inadequate.”

Lorraine said she’s sure there are lots of people who “put their foot in it” with infertile couples with “crass comments” like “you better get a move on” if they still haven’t had children years after tying the knot.

Jake did not appear to be offended by Lorraine’s comment yesterday as he said his focus is currently on preparing for his big day around rehearsing for Dancing On Ice.

Read more: Hot topic of the day: Should the NHS pay for IVF treatment?

Infertility was also a hot topic of debate on today’s Good Morning Britain, where they discussed whether IVF should be given to everyone on the NHS.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor