Lorraine Kelly announces death of ITV show co-star

Lorraine Kelly stopped the show to share the news

Lorraine Kelly expressed her heartfelt condolences on air as she interrupted the latest episode of her show to break the news of a co-star's death.

The host resumed her duties on the self-titled ITV programme on Monday (October 7), where she conveyed the sad update that a member of her Change + Check Choir had died as a result of secondary breast cancer.

Launched in 2019, the Change + Check initiative has gained significant momentum, with one of its most lauded features being the stickers prompting self-examination in changing rooms. These reminders were made available in various retail locations including John Lewis and Partners, ASDA, Warehouse, and David Lloyd Gyms.

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To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the campaign promoting breast checks, the Change + Check choir was established on ITV's Lorraine last year, with the support of artist Joss Stone who assisted them in releasing their debut track, 'Golden'.

Heather Sawyer, a choir member who was tragically diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 cancer, passed away on Saturday (October 5). Her husband announced the sad news on social media, reports the Manchester Evening News.

After returning from a commercial break, Lorraine addressed her audience, saying: "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 expressed: "She was such a huge part of the choir, so passionate about everything. Amazing."

Furthermore, Dr Hilary Jones, who joined Lorraine on the programme, commented: "Wonderful lady. She sang at the Palladium with the choir, to celebrate the Change + Check campaign."

Lee, Heather's husband, confirmed her death over the weekend: "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.."

He went on to express gratitude on behalf of the family: "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."