In January 1993, Kelly helped launch GMTV by presenting a range of programmes. Her first job was presenting the new Top of the Morning. In March, when Fiona Armstrong walked out of the main GMTV show, Kelly moved to the main breakfast show with Eamonn Holmes. In June 1994, Kelly went on maternity leave, but shortly afterwards she was sacked from the main presenting roles, she returned in November 1994 to do a mother and baby slot. This led to her becoming the presenter of Nine O'Clock Live. The show proved so popular that it was moved to the earlier 08:35 slot, retitled Lorraine Live.
Between 1993 and 2005, Kelly lived at Cookham Dean in Berkshire, outside London, with her husband, television cameraman Steve Smith, whom she married in 1992. Kelly previously lived in Broughty Ferry, Dundee until December 2017 as she found commuting back and forth was not working, Kelly and her husband then decided to sell their Broughty Ferry home to be closer to Lorraine's work, and so they could spend more time together. Kelly has described herself as an 'adopted Dundonian' and despite moving away, she considers Dundee to be a place that she will always call home.