ITV Loose Women issues tribute to Gloria Hunniford's husband Stephen Way after his death aged 85
ITV Loose Women have paid tribute to Gloria Hunniford's husband Stephen Way
GETTY/ITV
Gloria Hunniford's colleagues at Loose Women have issued a statement following the death of her husband, Stephen Way.
Way died at the age of 85 following a battle with illness, his family confirmed on Wednesday.
Way's family said in a statement: "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 issued a separate statement to mark the death of her husband of 26 years, saying: "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.
Gloria Hunniford announced her husband's death on Wednesday
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"We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish.
"It's a great shock and words cannot express my sadness at this time.
"A bright shining light has dimmed, and he shall be missed at every turn."
The Loose Women 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."
Before long, several Loose Women fans rushed to the comments to echo the tribute paid by the ITV show.
"So terribly sad to hear this, condolences Gloria keep your memories close xxx," one fan replied.
A second added: "Such sad news heartfelt condolences to Gloria and all family and friends."
"Oh no. So sorry Gloria. Sending you and family condolences," a third weighed in before a fourth typed: "Sending love to the legend that is Gloria Hunniford."
And another similarly paid tribute as they wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear about Stephen... condolences to Gloria and the family at this sad time xxx." (sic)
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Stephen Way and Gloria Hunniford married in 1998
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Way and Hunniford tied the knot in 1998 and marked their 25th wedding anniversary last year.
The Loose Women star's spouse popped the question while the two were holidaying in Barbados with Hunniford previously opening up on the proposal.
She told the Belfast Telegraph back in 2017: "I remember larking about when I was six or seven and falling into the water fully clothed and coming up for the third time and thinking I was going to die.
"Then, when Stephen and I were in Barbados, we had a pool to ourselves and it was very hot, and Stephen was bantering me to get in.
"I managed a few strokes then went plop, straight down. Stephen said no-one had ever clung to him so tightly. It was the first time he saw me looking vulnerable, so he proposed."
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