Here’s a story to take your mind off Brexit for a moment or two.
Lorraine Kelly has won a massive legal case over an unpaid tax bill by arguing that she does not appear on TV as herself, but is instead an actor playing a cheery upbeat character called “Lorraine Kelly”.
And it’s melting people’s brains.
I love this story: Lorraine Kelly has won a massive legal case over unpaid tax by arguing she does not appear on TV as herself, but is instead an actor playing a cheery upbeat character called “Lorraine Kelly”. https://t.co/Devr2p2mTj
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) March 20, 2019
Here’s how the Guardian story starts (read the whole thing here).
The breakfast TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is performing the role “of a friendly, chatty and fun personality” when she appears on ITV each morning and not simply appearing as herself, a tax tribunal judge has ruled.
The presenter of the magazine show Lorraine “presents a persona of herself”, Judge Jennifer Dean ruled, and as such can be described as a “theatrical artist”, meaning payments to an agent were allowed as a tax deductible expense.
“We did not accept that Ms Kelly simply appeared as herself; we were satisfied that Ms Kelly presents a persona of herself,” Dean’s ruling stated.
TFW when you’ve just won a £1.2m tax case but you’re feeling typecast in the role and want to hand over to a new actor but are never, ever going to be allowed to stop playing a cheery upbeat character. pic.twitter.com/zYLyqmK12T
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) March 21, 2019
We have a feeling this one is going to run and run. But just for starters, here are 9 of our favourite responses so far.
1.
Whoah, this is some super post-modern shit. https://t.co/LHYVoQMQoi
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) March 21, 2019
2.
actually lorraine kelly is the name of the scientist
— Sarah Dempster (@Dempster2000) March 21, 2019
3.
I think it’s time for a black actor to be given a try as Lorraine Kelly. It’ll upset plenty of hardline fans who’ll say it’s not canon, but times change
I’d go for Scarlett Johansson
— Mrs Gladys Steptoe (@GladysSteptoe) March 21, 2019
4.
And the BAFTA goes to…
Lorraine Kelly for her role as Lorraine Kelly on Lorraine Kelly pic.twitter.com/A0ZQz4M5VB
— shane telford. (@MrShaneReaction) March 20, 2019
I preferred it when Sean Connery played Lorraine Kelly. This one is nothing like what Fleming intended Lorraine Kelly to be like. I think Idris Elba should play Lorraine Kelly next.
— James Rice (@RiceJ78) March 21, 2019
5.
I faked an orgasm once, does that mean I’m now an actress who doesn’t need to pay taxes? #LorraineKelly
— Rachel Hawkins (@ourrachblogs) March 21, 2019
6.
Wondering if I can get a rebate due to the ‘telephone voice’ I’ve put on for over 20 years
— Carla Mayers (@Azul_76) March 21, 2019
7.
So that’s why she says everything is “really, really great”. She’s acting. Now it all becomes clear.
— Rachel Hawkins (@ourrachblogs) March 21, 2019
8.
I do not appear at work as myself but as a person who acts interested. Can i not pay my taxes also?
— Rose Biscuit ( No time Olympic medal winner) (@Rose_Biscuit_) March 21, 2019
9.
I know people are laughing at the ludicrousness of Lorraine Kelly’s inventive tax avoidance – but it’s just another case of how the wealthy stay well off while the poor are punished
Lorraine, pay your fucking taxes pic.twitter.com/cosPTRsiu1
— Ciara McShane (@Ciara87C) March 21, 2019
10.
“It is I, Lorraine Kelly” pic.twitter.com/eeD5JdBsjJ
— John Rain (@MrKenShabby) March 21, 2019
11.
Lorraine Kelly clocking off from another day of working as "Lorraine Kelly". pic.twitter.com/6Ety1fOxTk
— Nick Walker (@nickw84) March 21, 2019
12.
If she doesn’t have to pay taxes because she’s playing a cheery character & not portraying her true self, every retail, cafe & public facing worker should be owed back a fair chunk!https://t.co/tSgN9MUAOR
— Zan Phee (@zanPHEE) March 21, 2019
