Lorraine Kelly, 65, looks incredible in a blue swimsuit as she reveals she's working on a second novel

Lorraine Kelly showed off her incredible figure in a throwback snap as she reflected on the success of her debut novel. 

The 65-year-old presenter released The Island Swimmer in February, a tale of new beginnings, family and friendship.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, the mother-of-one shared a swimsuit-clad snap as she frolicked on the beach in Scotland with her friend. 

Lorraine captioned the post: 'Celebrating in Orkney with my lovely pal Nick when my first novel The Island Swimmer became a best seller this year! 

'THANK YOU to everyone who bought the book - I have been overwhelmed by your lovely comments - it’s on offer right now if need a wee extra Xmas pressie - I’m working hard on the follow up! '

Lorraine was flooded with support from her followers, including friend and broadcaster, Kate Silverton, who wrote: 'Love Orkney! Sending all love and congratulations Lorraine! Xxx'

The post comes after Lorraine viewers claimed the Scottish TV show host 'deserves an acting award' after her 'hideously unattractive' portrait was unveiled from show Portrait Artist of the Year. 

The televised competition encourages artists to enter with a self-portrait that they have created within the last five years and they are selected on merit by the panel of expert judges. 

But viewers at home were shocked last week when they saw an unsightly portrait of Lorraine hanging in the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh after an art competition winner was commissioned to paint her. 

The striking painting displayed the presenter sitting cross-legged on a high-backed chair, dressed in a vibrant, red tartan coat. 

London-born Brogan Bertie, who was given the task of capturing the celebrated TV host on canvas, said: 'Oh, I found Lorraine's response so emotional.' 

'Like so much of the worry of doing a portrait is that the subject is going to like it. Or that she's going to see something of herself in it.' 

'And I think for her to have such an emotional reaction and feel so connected to it immediately felt really special and I couldn't have asked for more from her.' 

Lorraine could then be heard saying in a voiceover: 'I knew, having seen your other work, I knew it was going to be fantastic.' 

The camera then panned to Lorraine, and the TV host could be seen shaking her head as she praised the artist saying: 'But honestly, this is another league.' 

She added: 'This is just, it's so special, it really is.' 

But viewers were not convinced that Lorraine loved the painting as they took to X, formerly Twitter, to call the host a 'fine actress'.