Gloria Hunniford returns to Loose Women after the death of her husband

Gloria Hunniford opened up about the heartbreaking passing of her husband, Stephen Way, whom she had been married to for over 20 years, as she made her return to the Loose Women show on Monday for the first time since his death.

The 84-year-old broadcaster mentioned that she was "set on not shedding any tears" while joining the panel to discuss how she has been managing since Stephen passed away at 85 in August.

She acknowledged that her life had transformed and expressed uncertainty about what the future would hold. She also shared that she had lost weight while caring for her husband during his illness.

Gloria expressed, "It's incredibly painful to lose a loved one. One moment, you have a clear understanding of your life, and the next, you're left questioning what your future holds."

I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone watching from home and to the team at Loose Women. The messages I received were truly wonderful, and I can’t fully explain how much they mean to me.

Gloria Hunniford opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Stephen Way, with whom she shared over two decades, as she made her first appearance on Loose Women since his passing on Monday.

The 84-year-old presenter expressed her resolve to "not shed any tears" while taking her place on the panel. She shared her experiences and how she has been managing since the passing of Stephen, who died at the age of 85 in August (they are seen together in the photo).

She acknowledged that her life had undergone a significant transformation and expressed uncertainty about what the future might hold. She also mentioned that she had lost weight while caring for her husband during his illness (shown together in January).

It truly transformed my life. It's incredible how, at times, our kids step into the role of caregivers and start to worry about us. The letters, cards, and messages I've received have really touched me deeply.

Fighting back tears, she said, "I'm committed to keeping it together today; I really don't want to cry."

Charlene White, her co-star, asked Gloria how her sorrow had impacted her physically. Gloria shared that she'd had a hard time with eating but reassured everyone that she was doing fine.

She shared, "When your partner is unwell, it's natural to feel a lot of anxiety and concern. It’s no surprise that I’ve lost weight; I haven’t been eating well because my mind is occupied with worrying about them."

"I'm doing well, thank you. Whenever my two sons, Paul and Michael, come over, they always keep an eye on what I'm eating, saying, 'You didn’t finish your chicken!'"

She added, "I'm facing a lot of challenges, but I'm working hard to bounce back. I’ve been employed since I was seven years old."

"I understand work; I enjoy it and feel confident about it. However, when it comes to the emotional side and feelings of sadness, I feel lost. That's why I'm really happy to be back and reconnect with all of you, as well as the team working behind the scenes."

Gloria tied the knot with businessman Stephen in 1998 and expressed that his absence would create a significant gap, not just in her life, but also for the whole family.

Fighting back her tears, she pressed on: "I’m really trying to keep it together today, I won’t let myself cry."

Charlene White, who stars alongside Gloria, inquired about how her grief had impacted her body. Gloria acknowledged that she had found it difficult to eat, but she reassured everyone that she was managing fine.

Gloria tied the knot with businessman Stephen in 1998, expressing that his absence would create a significant gap, not just in her life, but for the whole family as well (they are seen together in 1999).

In a message regarding his death, his family expressed, "We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to inform you that Stephen Way, Gloria's cherished husband, passed away yesterday afternoon after his fight."

Stephen had been bravely battling his illness, consistently showing remarkable determination and a cheerful outlook.

Gloria remarked then, "Stephen was a true gentleman and an exceptionally big-hearted person. His absence will create a huge gap not just in my life, but in the lives of our whole family."

He was a remarkably kind and generous person, always showing genuine care for others. His wonderfully unique sense of humor stayed with him until the very end.

We enjoyed a wonderfully joyful 25 years of marriage, sharing countless beautiful and thrilling experiences that I will forever treasure.

Stephen was remembered as an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Gloria expressed her feelings, stating, "This is incredibly shocking, and I can't find the words to convey how deeply saddened I am right now."

"A brilliant light has faded, and his absence will be felt deeply at every moment."

Eamonn Holmes, who rose to prominence after taking over Gloria's position at Good Evening Ulster, also honored her memory.

Stephen was called a 'fantastic husband, father, and grandfather,' and Gloria shared, 'I am deeply shocked, and I can't find the words to convey how sad I feel right now. A brilliant light has gone out, and he will be missed in every moment.'

She had shared earlier that Stephen popped the question during their vacation in Barbados, right after she was having a tough time in the pool at their villa because she had never learned to swim as a kid (shown in a 2007 photo).

He posted on Instagram: "I share in the sadness of my dear friend Gloria, who has lost Stephen after more than 40 years of friendship. He was truly a gentleman and a learned person. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her."

In 1997, Gloria shared that it was Stephen who informed her about the passing of her ex-husband, Don Keating, right after she finished hosting a television talk show.

A friend discovered Don's lifeless body at the kitchen table, where his meal and a glass of wine sat waiting in front of him.

When Gloria and Stephen began their relationship, he ran a hair salon on New Bond Street in Mayfair.

Gloria and Stephen first crossed paths at an event in London and tied the knot in Kent in 1998, just a year after Don passed away.

She had earlier shared that Stephen popped the question during their vacation in Barbados, after she was finding it difficult in the pool at their villa, since she never had swimming lessons as a child.

In 2017, Gloria shared with the Belfast Telegraph, "I recall messing around when I was around six or seven years old. I fell into the water, completely dressed, and as I surfaced for the third time, I thought I was going to drown."

Later, while Stephen and I were in Barbados, we had the pool all to ourselves. It was really warm, and Stephen kept teasing me to jump in.

I managed to paddle a bit before I suddenly fell in. Stephen joked that no one had ever held onto him so tightly before. It was the first time he noticed me feeling exposed, and that’s when he suggested we take things further.