Gloria Hunniford breaks silence on health woes as co-star says 'you're thinner'

Loose Women's Gloria Hunniford has opened up about her recent weight loss during her return to the beloved ITV programme.

The veteran presenter, aged 84, graced the panel once more on Monday (October 7), after taking time off following the sad loss of her husband, Stephen Way. In August, it was revealed that Gloria faced the heartbreak of widowhood when Stephen succumbed to a prolonged illness.

In conversation with Charlene White, Olivia Attwood, and Denise Welch, Gloria shared an update on her wellbeing. This prompted Charlene to remark on Gloria's noticeable change in size since her last appearance.

Charlene queried: "Obviously grief presents itself in different ways and I it can do so physically as well. Before anyone starts, you know, worrying that you're unwell and that you're smaller than you were when you were here last time, can you clear that up?"

Gloria responded with humour, noting she had always been the shortest among the Loose Women crew, and explained: "The thing is that, obviously when your partner's ill, like the anxiety and the worry and all of that. Of course I've lost weight because you don't eat properly, you're always thinking of the other person," reports the Mirror.

"But I am fine, thank you very much indeed and my two sons when they come to visit they always watch what I eat."

She continued, reassuring everyone: "But I am fine!"

She also expressed gratitude towards her fellow panellists and the entire Loose Women team. Viewers at home joined in sending their warm regards as Gloria made her heartfelt comeback.

One viewer empathetically remarked: "Dear #Gloria I'm so so sorry to learn of your recent bereavement. God bless you, and glad you have your #loosewomen family who love you. #thinking of you."

Another comment came in, observing: "Oh God love Gloria Hunniford, beautiful woman. Saluted. Xx."

Adding to the heartfelt messages, a third noted: "Sadly how losing her husband has taken its toll on Gloria, bless her... she's lost a lot of weight."

In the sad update shared in August, Stephen Way's family announced his passing with a touching 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."

Reflecting on her loss, Gloria herself shared: "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."