Gloria Hunniford's husband Stephen Way dies aged 85 as Loose Women star pays tribute to 'a gentleman...

Gloria Hunniford shared the sad news of her husband, Stephen Way, passing away at the age of 85 after being together for over two decades.

The 84-year-old experienced radio host married the entrepreneur in 1998, and she stated that his absence would create a significant emptiness, not just in her life, but in the lives of their whole family.

Today, his family announced with great sorrow that Stephen Way, Gloria's much-loved husband, passed away yesterday afternoon after a long illness.

Stephen had been bravely battling his illness... but always with a strong determination and a positive attitude.

Hunniford stated: 'Stephen was a kind and impressive man, who will be greatly missed not only by me, but by our entire family.

Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way were spotted at the Chelsea Flower Show in London on May 22, 2023.

Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way attended the performance of We Will Rock You at the London Coliseum on June 7, 2023.

Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way attended the Woman of the Future Awards at the Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in London on November 8, 2007.

A picture of Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way together with their family in the backyard of their Kent home during the summer months of last year.

He was an extremely nice, giving, and thoughtful man, with a charmingly unique sense of humor that lasted until the very end.

Our 25-year marriage was filled with immense joy and we shared countless wonderful and thrilling experiences that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Mr. Way was praised as a fantastic spouse, dad, and grandpa, with Hunniford expressing deep sorrow and shock at the news. She mentioned that no words could adequately convey the level of sadness she felt.

A strong and radiant guiding light has faded, and his presence will be felt dearly in all aspects of life.

Northern Irish TV personality Eamonn Holmes, who rose to fame after taking over Hunniford's position on Good Evening Ulster, also honored her memory.

On Instagram, he posted: "I share in Gloria's sorrow as she mourns the passing of Stephen, a kind and knowledgeable man. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her during this difficult time."

Mr. Way was the one who shared the sad news of Hunniford's ex-husband Don Keating's passing. This happened in 1997 when she had just finished hosting a TV talk show.

Mr Keating was discovered deceased by a companion while seated at his kitchen table, his evening meal and a glass of wine laid out before him.

At a special event in London on March 16, 2017, Stephen Way, Gloria Hunniford, Christopher Biggins, and Neil Sinclair came together to attend the premiere of Another Mother's Son. The event, which was a charity gala, took place at the Odeon Leicester Square.

Gloria Hunniford will be a guest on the TV show Loose Women on ITV, at the London studio on August 5, 2024.

A picture of Stephen Way and his family was taken on his 84th birthday last summer.

When Hunniford and Mr Way began their relationship, he owned a hair salon in New Bond Street, Mayfair.

Hunniford and Mr. Way first crossed paths at a gathering in London before tying the knot in Kent in 1998, just a year after Mr. Keating passed away.

She has shared before that Mr. Way asked her to marry him while they were vacationing in Barbados. This happened after she had difficulties in a swimming pool at their holiday home, as she had never learned how to swim when she was younger.

Hunniford shared with the Belfast Telegraph in 2017: 'I recall playing around when I was six or seven and accidentally falling into the water with all my clothes on. I remember surfacing for the third time and feeling like I was going to drown.'

Later, Stephen and I were in Barbados, enjoying our own private pool. The weather was scorching and Stephen was playfully teasing me to jump in.

I swam a little bit, and then suddenly fell under the water. Stephen mentioned that no one had ever held onto him so strongly. It was the first time he saw me in a vulnerable way, so he asked me to marry him.

Stephen Way and Gloria Hunniford were seen at The King and I opening night at the Dominion Theatre in London on January 31, 2024.

A photo of Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way on vacation in France, date unknown.

Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way were seen entering the Dorchester Hotel in London on February 22, 1998 to celebrate Sir John Mills' 90th birthday party.

In May of last year, Mr. Way shared that he had suffered a second stroke, which left him partially blind in his right eye.

He mentioned that he woke up in the morning and saw blood in his eye. He also said that he was handling everything well, even though it was disorienting.

Caron Keating, the daughter of Hunniford and a television host herself, passed away in 2004 after fighting against breast cancer. In her honor, Hunniford established a foundation.

The Caron Keating Foundation collects money for cancer organizations and helps to spread knowledge about the cause.

In March, Hunniford announced that her grandson Charlie, who is 29 years old, will be getting married at the church where Caron got married.

In 2017, Hunniford was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for her efforts in supporting cancer charities by providing breast screening services and cancer support.

Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way were photographed for the Mail On Sunday on September 9, 1999.

Hunniford's daughter Caron Keating, who was also a TV host, passed away in 2004 after fighting breast cancer. In honor of her daughter, Hunniford established a foundation. The two are seen together in a photo taken on June 15, 1993.

Gloria Hunniford was previously married to Don Keating, who passed away in 1997. She later married Mr. Way in 1998.

She began her television career in Northern Ireland before moving to London to work on the game show We Love TV. She also hosted a Radio 2 program for over ten years.

Hunniford has appeared regularly on popular TV shows such as Loose Women, This Morning, Rip Off Britain, The Travelling Picture Show, Home Away From Home, and Food: Truth Or Scare, making her a familiar face to viewers across the country.

The woman from Portadown was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005, dancing with Darren Bennett, and also appeared on The Masked Singer in 2022.

In the previous month, Hunniford paid respects to BBC radio personality John Bennett, who passed away at the age of 82. She described him as a 'legend in the world of broadcasting'.

Bennett and Hunniford started BBC Radio Ulster together on New Year's Eve in 1974. Bennett gained fame as 'The President' of The Sunday Club, a weekend music show he hosted for over 44 years.