Lorraine Kelly explains her unexpected absence from her ITV show yesterday

Lorraine didn't have the best start to the week, missing Tuesday's episode of her ITV show after falling ill soon before she was due on air.

The popular TV presenter was forced to pull out of her hosting duties - andit was up Kate Garraway to save the day, stepping in to present at the last minute after producers called her in the early hours of the morning.

But now, Lorraine has returned to her position as host - after explaining the reason behind her unexpected absence.

Lorraine Kelly absence explained...

Thanking Kate on Twitter for covering her, she revealed on Twitter on Wednesday morning that she'd suffered from a virus.

She wrote, "Massive thanks to lovely @kategarraway who stepped in for me at the last minute yesterday when I was struck down by ghastly virus. Back this morning. See you in a couple of hours."

She's since expanded on her nasty illness, sharing that she'd been feeling under the weather for a few days before having to call in sick.

Writing to a follower, Lorraine said, "It’s been hanging around since last week. I soldiered on (I’m thrawn) but was defeated yesterday."

Fans were left confused as they tuned in to Tuesday's ITV Lorraine, when Lorraine didn't turn up for her presenting duties.

Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan did a live link to Kate in the Lorraine studios, who explained the news.

Piers shared with viewers that they weren't sure what was wrong with Lorraine, admitting, "We don't know how sick she is. I hope she's okay."

However, Kate was quick to reassure fans that Lorraine would soon be on the mend.

She explained, "Yeah, she's feeling a bit poorly but she'll be alright. We're going to give progress updates throughout the show on her."

She did however admit that it was "brilliant" to be hosting the show.

50-year-old Kate then went on to confess that her last-minute arrival meant she was unsure about what Tuesday's show would actually be about.

She admitted, "I was in bed about 20 minutes ago. I have absolutely no idea what's in the show but shall we find out together?"

Kate, who usually stars on GMB, went on to joke after reading the line-up, "It looks quite good. I'm going to stay and do it!"

During the link, Piers went on to speculate about what the ITV show would be like without host Lorraine Kelly, admitting Tuesday's episode had been thrown into "complete chaos".

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He said, "This is complete chaos. We have no idea what is happening – it's a bit like a normal day on Good Morning Britain really!"

However, it seems Kate expertly pulled off her hosting duties in the end. She chatted to star of the new Tomb Raider film Alicia Vikander.

The presenter also discussed the topic of insomnia with returning resident doctor, Dr Hillary, and Debbie McGee. And she also interviewed radio star Greg James, who has recently undergone a challenge for Sport Relief.