Lorraine Kelly announces death of 'astonishing' ITV co-star on show

Lorraine Kelly announced the death of an ITV co-star as she paused Monday's episode for a moving tribute.

The TV presenter, 64, said she was 'very sorry' as she announced the sad news on her self-titled show.

Pausing the show, she revealed that a member of her Change + Check Choir, Heather Sawyer, had passed away from secondary breast cancer.

The Change + Check campaign was first launched in 2019 and is recognised for its stickers, which encourage you to check yourself when in changing rooms.

Following an ad break on her show, Lorraine told viewers: 'I'm very sorry to have to share some sad news this morning. 

'One of our amazing singers, Heather Sawyer, has died from secondary breast cancer. Heather was only 50 years old, an astonishing woman.' 

'She was such a huge part of the choir, so passionate about everything. Amazing.'

Heather passed away after her cancer spread to the left side of her brain which, in her final days, caused slurred speech, pain and nausea.

Following her tragic update, Heather was transferred to St Teresa's Hospice for her final week.

Dr Hilary Jones, who appeared alongside Lorraine on the show, added: 'Wonderful lady. She sang at the Palladium with the choir, to celebrate the Change + Check campaign.'

Heather's husband Lee confirmed her death on Sunday as he posted a statement to her Instagram.

He said: 'The update we never ever wanted to give..

'Shortly before 1am this morning 5th October Heather lost her fight to cancer and took her last breaths and passed away peacefully.

'We know just how many people have followed Heather's journey and how many lives she has touched from the sheer volume of messages, voice notes, the flood of the #hevupsocials hashtag…

'We as a family want to firstly thank each and every one of you beautiful people who have visited, sent well wishes and thought of Heather during this time.

'It has not gone unnoticed and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of you as you all made her know just how loved she was in her final days.'

The news left her friends heartbroken as they flocked to the comment box to send their condolences to Lee.

One penned: 'I feel so privileged to have met and gotten to know Heather when I attended my first ever @cancerincommon event that Heather hosted earlier this year. Since then we have been connected as instagrammily sharing messages together. Heather made an impact to so many and I know she made a huge difference to everyone on that day. Heather is the most selfless person and completely kind hearted ✨⚡️ I am so sorry for such a big loss to the BC community and for all of Heathers friends and family. There will definitely be a big void for all xxxx'

'I'm so sorry absolutely heartbroken I can't even imagine how you're all feeling. I wish I could take some of the pain away. What a absolutely awesome person she is and I am so glad I got to meet her xxxx'

'A big space in our hearts. Sending love to Lee and the family. Such a determined and strong lady Heather is.. another star to shine in our night sky. We, C&C girls will miss her mischievous ways xxx'

'Privileged to have met Heather at the weekender and have her as a member of the Magical Midlife community. She was a woman who touched many'

'Utterly heartbroken to hear this, Heather was truly a remarkable woman who left one heck of a legacy with the choir. Sending huge love to the family'