Lorraine Kelly announces her debut fiction novel

Lorraine Kelly has written a debut novel called The Island Swimmer, which will be released next February and is available to pre-order now.

While the ITV presenter has penned a number of non-fiction books, this new release will be her first novel.

According to Orion Fiction, which is publishing the book, the novel, "is an emotional story about grief, troubled families, connection and hope."

Lorraine Kelly at a signing for her book Between You and Me in 2009.

Set in the Orkney Islands, the plot follows main character, Evie who returns to her home island and estranged sister, having left following a childhood trauma years before. Through the help of a group of cold water swimmers, Evie attempts to face the mistakes of her past while discovering some shocking secrets in the process.

In a release, Lorraine said it was, "a dream come true to be writing my first novel." She said that the book was inspired by her, "love for Orkney and its people, a place that truly feels like home."

Lorraine added that the characters in her novel are "ordinary people who struggle with family relationships, money, love, ill-health and more, whilst hoping for a better future."

View full post on Instagram

The debut author took to Instagram on Monday (15 May) to announce the news directly to her followers and said, "It’s a book I’ve wanted to write for a long time, and I can’t wait for you to read it."

She also revealed that while the book isn't officially out until next year, it is available to pre-order already.

The Island Swimmer (Hardback Pre-order)

£20 at Waterstones

Lorraine Kelly's first fiction novel, The Island Swimmer, will be published in hardback, trade paperback, ebook and audio in February 2024. It is available to pre-order now.