Lorraine Kelly is set to mark her milestone 30th year on breakfast TV by appearing in her favourite soap opera.

Kelly will make an appearance in tonight's episode of Coronation Street. She was surprised with the news during a special programme on Good Morning Britain marking her special anniversary.

Familiar faces from yesteryear included Timmy Mallett, Wincey Willis and Anthea Turner, while current colleague Ben Shephard got into the spirit by sporting a kilt in honour of the Scottish broadcaster during today's edition of her ITV show.

Kelly clocked up her first breakfast appearance in 1984 as the Scotland reporter for TV-am, eventually going on to work on its successor GMTV and later having her own spin-off slot called Lorraine.

Her daughter Rose was among the surprise guests and joked about some of her mum's fashion failures.

Eamonn Holmes, who has gone on to work on Sky News's rival Sunrise programme, sent a message recalling one of their early reviews when they launched GMTV.

He said: "We thought we were brilliant, we thought we were really good, then there was a review in a posh newspaper, and it just said, 'this programme is presented by two unknown big round faces'. But what they say is very well and good, but there are no wrinkles on a balloon."

Kelly was also introduced to a penguin chick which has been named in her honour in a live link to London Zoo, with the presenter declaring: "That is fabulous, it is the nicest thing that has ever happened to me."

Others who sent messages included presenting duo Ant and Dec, Martin Clunes, Hugh Bonneville and Paul O'Grady.

Kelly said afterwards: "It's been overwhelming and amazing. I can't believe it's been 30 years, it's gone by in a flash."

She also features in tonight's edition of Coronation Street. Kylie (Paula Lane) and David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) are seen watching Kelly on TV and then briefly discuss her.