Eamonn Holmes pens heartfelt tribute to 'friend of 40+ years' and Gloria Hunniford's husband Stephen Way

Hunniford, 84, paid tribute to her "kind, generous and caring" husband. The full statement released by Way's family read: "It is with huge sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the passing of Stephen Way, Gloria’s beloved husband, who lost his battle yesterday afternoon.

"Stephen had been heroically fighting his illness… but always with great tenacity and a positive spirit.”

Hunniford said of her husband: “Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life but our entire family.

"He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man with a delightfully quirky sense of humour which remained till the end.

"We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish."

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A post shared by Eamonn Holmes OBE (@eamonnholmes)

Broadcaster Holmes offered condolences to Loose Women star Hunniford on Wednesday, sharing a sweet post on Instagram.

Sharing a snap of the couple smiling for the camera, he penned: "I feel the pain of Gloria my dear friend of 40 plus years on the loss of Stephen - a true gent and a scholar. My genuine heartfelt condolences."

Hunniford's colleagues at Loose Women have also issued a statement in support of their co-star.

The show's Instagram account added to the well wishes that have already poured in for Hunniford and her family as it paid tribute to Way.

Alongside a heartwarming selfie of the two, the accompanying caption read: "We're sending so much love to Gloria and family following the sad news that her husband Stephen has passed away aged 85."

Many also left messages of support under Holmes' tribute, with fans offering kind words in the comments section.

One wrote: "That's so sad to hear! He was her rock after Karen."

"That’s heartbreaking. Huge love to Gloria and the family x," another penned.

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"Ah bless her, that’s really sad," another added. Someone else commented: I'm so sad to read this Gloria, sending love and great big hugs your way."

"So sad to read this. Condolences to her and her family," another offered.

Another fan shared: "I am so sorry to hear Gloria’s husband has passed away.xx," with someone else adding: "Poor Gloria condolences to all your family and friends."