Andi Peters has sung ITV’s praises for “getting more black faces on television” after he was handed a two-week slot presenting Lorraine Kelly’s show.
The presenter, who currently presents the competition segment on Good Morning Britain, will be at the helm of the Lorraine show from Monday August 10th to 21st so Lorraine can take a summer break.
In an interview he told how the channel is making “a great statement” getting more “black faces in lead roles”.
Andi said: “It’s great they have asked me to do it. I’m chuffed. It’s a real break from tradition and it’s a great statement from the channel about getting more black faces on television in lead roles as opposed to support roles, which is really important and we mustn’t shy away from that fact.
“I love Lorraine, I’ve known her for ten years, I’m on her show every day and it’s great to be part of that family. So, sitting in for her is an honour, Lorraine is an institution.
The presenter will be at the helm of the show from Monday August 10th to 21st so Lorraine can take a summer break (Image: ITV)
Andi also told how he has coped well during the pandemic despite being diagnosed with shingles at the start of the year.
He said: “My 2020 has been ridiculous, it started with shingles for two weeks. The team were very supportive, even Piers [Morgan] was worried. I was lucky, I had it quite bad but not as bad as some people, who have no nerve endings for months.
“I was very worried that after that, my immune system would be really, really low and I would be more susceptible to coronavirus. Plus, we now know, being black and a man, you are more susceptible to it and you are a lot more at risk if you do catch it.”
Andi presents the competition segment on Good Morning Britain (Image: ITV)
Andi found it “weird” being home so much during lockdown after being known for travelling the world.
He said: “My last flight was March 10th when I came back from Chicago. But it’s quite interesting to do something different. I’m not having to pack all the time! Not going to the gym for so long has been hard, that’s been the most bizarre thing but I’ve adopted going on long walks.
“I started doing 10k walks every day. I love cooking. I have a three-course lunch and dinner, why not? So I have fallen back in love with cooking and making my evening meal a little event, putting it on Instagram.”
Andi presented Good Morning Britain’s competition segment live from his shed between March and July due to the coronavirus.
Andi Peters applauded ITV for ‘getting more black faces on TV’ (Image: ITV)
When Lorraine announced she was passing the reins to Andi earlier this month, she broke down in tears.
Andi Peters celebrated his 50th birthday on Good Morning Britain last month.
Hosts Ben Shepherd and Charlotte Hawkins greeted the birthday boy as he returned to the ITV studio for the first time since lockdown began this morning.
Andi pretended to read a script on the autocue, saying: “There, is, nowhere, I’d, rather, be today, than here in the studio with you too!”
The television presenter stood on his podium as balloons filled the screen behind him and said it was good to be back after presenting the competitions on location for three months.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
