The queen of daytime television in Britain will be hosting the opening ceremony at the Island Games in July.

Lorraine Kelly, one of the most famous faces on television as the host of Britain’s biggest breakfast show, will welcome more than 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups around the world to Orkney, where participants will compete in 12 sports from July 12 to 18.

A regular visitor to Orkney for the past 40 years, Kelly considers the islands her “happy place” and was delighted to accept the role.

“I’m so thrilled to be an ambassador for Orkney 2025 and it is such an honour for me to have been asked to host the opening ceremony,” Kelly said.

“Orkney is a very special place to me and I’ve been visiting every year for the last 40 years, so this is an incredibly exciting opportunity. I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere, from the sporting action to meeting competitors and supporters from the 24 islands taking part. Orkney 2025 really is a great opportunity to share with the world just how special the islands are.”

The countdown is officially on as we mark six months until Orkney hosts the 20th International Island Games, an event that promises to be a celebration of sport, culture, and community.

Bermuda won ten medals, including gold in the women’s football and golf events, at the 2023 Island Games in Guernsey and are likely to have representatives in all 12 sports this year — archery, athletics, badminton, bowls, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming and triathlon.

With exactly six months to go until the action kicks off in the Northern Isles of Scotland, Kirsty Talbot, games director at Orkney Island Games, says the island’s population are ready to welcome the world

“With just six months to go until Orkney welcomes the world to the 20th International Island Games, we couldn’t be more excited for the athletes, the volunteers, and the local community who have come together to make this historic event a reality,” Talbot said.

“The Games will not only showcase the incredible talent of island athletes but also leave a lasting legacy for Orkney. From newly developed sports clubs to improved facilities, this event is a catalyst for growth and participation in sports across the islands. We are truly looking forward to seeing how this landmark occasion will inspire future generations and highlight Orkney’s unique sense of community and spirit.”

• For more information on the Orkney 2025 Island Games, visit the Games website