Kate Garraway fans say she 'smashed' first 'Life Stories' - but Lorraine Kelly admits she missed it in TV blunder

Kate Garraway's debut as the new host of Life Stories was deemed a triumph by viewers - but unfortunately, pal Lorraine Kelly was not one of them.

On Thursday night, Garraway's first episode at the helm of in-depth celebrity interview show Life Stories aired on ITV as she took over from outgoing star Piers Morgan.

Read more: Piers Morgan's best ever Life Stories interviews

Fans of the Good Morning Britain presenter praised her emotional interview with former footballer John Barnes, but Lorraine Kelly revealed she'd totally missed her friend's debut during an embarrassing moment on live TV on Friday morning.

As Garraway, hosting GMB, linked up with Kelly whose daytime show Lorraine was on ITV next, Kelly attempted to give her some encouragement in the new role.

She said: "I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight, 9 o’clock, that’s going to be great."

But Garraway gasped as her co-star Ben Shephard corrected: "Last night. You can watch it on catch-up Lorraine, don’t worry."

An embarrassed Kelly said: "What! I thought it was tonight! You’re joking!"

Garraway replied: "I’m going round to Lorraine’s house to find the VHS and play it to her, that’s what I’m doing at 9 o’clock tonight."

Read more: Piers Morgan says Gemma Collins got death threats when she was announced for Life Stories

The broadcaster was Morgan's last interviewee before he bowed out of presenting Life Stories, where he spoke to his old GMB co-star about her hellish time during the pandemic caring for husband Derek Draper, who has suffered devastating effects from COVID.

Morgan cheered on his friend before her first episode in charge, tweeting: "Good luck to @kategarraway who hosts her first Life Stories show tonight. As I told Kate today, it does feel a bit weird handing over the reins of a show I presented for so long, but at least it’s to someone I love! Wish her all the very best."

One fan commented: "Can't wait to see it, Piers left the Life Stories in safe hands with you."

Her debut was a hit with viewers, as one person tweeted to Morgan: "You gave Life Stories to the best person mate. @kategarraway's doing a fabulous first show."

Someone else agreed: "@kategarraway is an absolute queen btw, what a woman. So pleased to see she’s presenting this #LifeStories"

Another viewer added: "@kategarraway big shoes to fill but you've absolutely smashed it xx"

Garraway will also interview Charlotte Church and Nadiya Hussain for her first series of Life Stories.

Watch: Kate Garraway criticised for being unable to say guest's name on Good Morning Britain