Lorraine Kelly reveals 'prickly' Michael Winner tore his microphone off and stormed out of TV interview
Lorraine Kelly has revealed that one of her TV guests once stormed off during an interview, with her describing him as “prickly”. The presenter said film...Lorraine Kelly has revealed that one of her TV guests once stormed off during an interview, with her describing him as “prickly”.
The presenter said film director Michael Winner became angry during an off-air break and removed his microphone before leaving.
She recalled the encounter while speaking with Countdown star Susie Dent on the Experience is Everything Podcast.
Why Michael Winner left Lorraine Kelly’s set
Susie had asked Lorraine to reflect back on her long career in broadcasting. She then wanted to know if anyone had ever stormed out of an interview.
Lorraine replied: “Michael Winner. A million years ago, if people can remember, he was a movie director.”
She explained how Michael had joined her on set to discuss a film project.
But the director had also recently undergone a triple heart bypass before appearing on the programme.
During the break, Lorraine checked on his wellbeing and asked how his recovery was progressing. She also asked if Michael still needed medication following the surgery.
Susie characterised Michael as notoriously difficult while the pair revisited the old interview. Lorraine agreed with that assessment.
“Prickly to say the least,” Lorraine remarked.
She then added: “He actually stormed out during the break.
“He was sitting there talking about a movie he was doing, and he’d just had a triple heart bypass. I just happened to say, As you would with anyone who’d had a serious illness, ‘Gosh how are you doing? Are you alright?'”
Lorraine says he said to her: “I’m not here to talk about my health.” She then recalls that he “stood up, took his microphone off and buggered off.”
That timing meant the audience never saw the disagreement or his sudden departure.
Lorraine later laughed, adding: “I thought oh that’s a shame he didn’t do it on air because that would have been quite funny.”
Who was Michael Winner?
Michael was born in Hampstead, London, in 1935. He built a career as a film director and newspaper columnist.
Among his directing credits were Death Wish, Scorpio and A Chorus of Disapproval.
Lorraine and Susie both referred to his directing career while introducing the podcast story.
Michael died in January 2013 at the age of 77. His death came 16 months after he married Geraldine.
Geraldine paid tribute to her husband following his death. She remembered Michael as “wonderful, brilliant, funny and generous”.
She also said his loss had left a profound absence in her life.
Lorraine returns to ITV1 at 9.30am on Monday September 7, 2026.
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