Sofa queen Lorraine Kelly left the GMTV studio for a day to visit a Black Country bingo hall – and admitted that she believes bingo helps keep you young and fit.

Lorraine raced up from London to be at the finals of the Bingo Buddy of the Year award at Mecca Bingo in Wednesbury yesterday.

She helped judge the national competition and took time out to have a chat to local bingo players about their hobby.

Wearing the same revealing tartan dress she wore for her recent 50^th birthday bash on GMTV, the bubbly brunette spoke about how her Glaswegian gran loves playing bingo.

“I used to play bingo a lot, especially when the carnival came to Glasgow,” says Lorraine.

“My gran is a big fan and she goes twice a week and I think it is what keeps her young and fit.”

Lorraine, who joined TV-am 26 years ago, says she prefers to be out in the fresh air and supporting her favourite football team Dundee United.

On turning 50 Lorraine says: “Everyone asked me if I was worried about it, but I just saw it as an excuse for a party.

“Everyone you went to school with knows how old you are so why try to hide it.  It is better to have people know how old you are and then they can tell you that you look good for your age.”

Lorraine credits her own mum, Anne, for her youthful looks.

She says: “It’s all thanks to my mum that I have my legs and my cheekbones.

“It is all down to luck as I get up quite early in the morning.  However, I try to be as healthy as possible – although I love chocolate and red wine.”

Lorraine admits that she has no plans to join shows such as Dancing on Ice or I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

“I will never do anything like that,” says Lorraine.  “In fact I would prefer to eat my own head.

“I don’t like the thought of having to eat strange animals and insects on I’m a Celebrity.

“Dr Hilary did Dancing on Ice but I think I prefer to be sat on the sofa doing the watching and laughing.”