A four-vehicle crash on the M40 brought lengthy delays for drivers near Denham and had an unusual knock-on effect for morning television: Lorraine Kelly was unable to reach ITV in time to present her live show.

The motorway was temporarily closed southbound between junction 1a, at the M25, and junction 1 near Denham after the incident was reported at 5.45am. Thames Valley Police said it involved four vehicles and resulted in a minor injury, while National Highways warned of residual delays of up to 90 minutes and congestion extending for several miles.¹

The traffic report focused on the wider impact for motorists, urging people to allow more time, reroute or delay journeys while the scene was cleared. National Highways later said traffic officers and contractors had removed the traffic management and reopened the southbound carriageway.¹

For Kelly, the same disruption became an immediate broadcasting problem. Speaking from a vehicle, she said she had been “stuck in traffic for about an hour and a half” and feared she would not make the programme.² Christine Lampard stepped in to host the ITV show instead.

Kelly’s response also differed from the practical travel advice issued to motorists: she emphasised concern for the people involved, saying, “I think there’s been a wee accident, and I’m hoping that everybody’s okay.”² In a later message, she said the motorway had been shut after the accident and that live television meant “you can’t be late.”²

The accounts agree on the central point: the crash was cleared and the road reopened, but its effects continued well beyond the immediate scene, affecting both commuters and ITV’s live schedule.