Loose Women's Kaye Adams halts show to send emotional message to Gloria Hunniford

Loose Women took a break from their usual format on Thursday to pay tribute to Gloria Hunniford, following the deeply sad news that she has lost her husband Stephen Way.

Stephen, well-known as a celebrity hairdresser, sadly died on Tuesday following a "heroic fight" with an illness, according to a statement released by his family.

After briefly running through the rest of the show's segments, Kaye Adams paused to speak about their dear friend and colleague, Gloria.

She said: "We couldn't go any further without sending all of our love and blessed wishes to Gloria and all of her family."

Adding: "I think you might be aware that her husband Stephen has passed away. In a statement, Gloria said Stephen had been 'heroically fighting his illness, but always with great tenacity and spirit. We had a tremendously happy 25 marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish'," reports the Mirror.

As the audience applauded in a moving show of support, Denise Welch continued: "We want you to know, Gliria that we have you in our hearts and we know you will be embraced by so much love because you have a gorgeous family."

Before finishing: "We all loved Stephen and we loved you very much."

Gloria spoke about her loss on Wednesday, 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. We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish."

Gloria added: "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."

Tributes have poured in far and wide for Gloria and Stephen, who had been together for 25 years. Eamonn Holmes, her former co-star, took to Instagram to share his profound sorrow.

"I feel the pain of Gloria my dear friend of 40 plus years on the loss of Stephen - a true gent and a scholar," penned the GB News presenter before continuing: "My genuine heartfelt condolences."

Married since their 1998 ceremony at St Peter's Church in Kent, last year saw Gloria and Stephen revisit the very place to mark their silver anniversary.

Reminiscing with Hello Magazine, Gloria said: "I can remember walking into the church, filled with family and friends, and the candles all lit - it was wonderful. We've often said we would love to live it all over again."

"Our relationship is built on more than just physical attraction; it's brimming with kindness and laughter. What we really treasure is our conversations. Continuous talk that makes our bond truly special."

Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.