The television host teared up as she spoke about the heartbreaking loss and having to explain to her children that their beloved pet had died
Holly Willoughby broke down on This Morning as she spoke about the death of her pet cat.
The television presenter became emotional and began crying as she revealed the sad news that her family's pet cat Roxy had died unexpectedly last week.
"A really strange thing on Thursday night, she went to sleep, we came down in the morning and she passed away in her sleep," Holly said.
"It was a big shock for everybody," Holly added as she began to tear up.
Talking about how she broke the news to her children, Holly became tearful and Ben had to step in while she composed herself.
"As soon as I found out I thought how am I going to tell the kids," Holly revealed.
"One of the hardest things I've ever had to do, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do."
She added: "I said Roxy wasn't very well. She had a sister who died as a kitten, Peaches, so I said Peaches would be waiting for her in heaven."
Viewers flocked to social media to send support to the beloved presenter at the difficult time.
"Sending lots of love & hugs to Holly, don't know if I would be brave enough to be in work so hats off to you," said one viewer.
"My heart goes out to Holly today, nothing worse than losing a loved pet x," tweeted another while a third added: "Aww Holly getting upset talking about her cat who passed away last week. :'("
Others became emotional as she shared their stories about their own pets.
"Awww @HollyWills please don't feel silly," tweeted one emotional fan. "My cat is 12 and I'm dreading the day she goes.
"Be blessed that Roxy didn't suffer #thismorning"
Another shared: "Getting emotional watching @thismorning. I cry now thinking about my cat passing away!
"I won't be able to cope poor @Hollywills xx"
The host of Meet the Parents was seen being comforted by This Morning's new guide dog puppy Luna for another segment on the show.
It comes after last week when the TV sweetheart took to Instagram and Facebook to share the sad news.
Posting a picture of her beloved feline friend Holly wrote: "Goodbye my friend... RIP Roxy," followed by a broken heart emoji.
Roxy was a regular on the This Morning presenter's Instagram and even appeared on the ITV show back in 2010.
Holly brought Roxy on the programme to have a live pet psychic reading live on air.
Pet psychic Joanne Hill even told Holly that Roxy can sense she is going to have another baby "very soon".
A shocked Holly didn't comment on Joanne's reading but she is mum to Harry, seven, Belle, five, and Chester, two.
Naturally, hundreds of Holly's fans rushed to sympathise with her after she announced Roxy had died.
Many shared their own stories of losing a family pet and how hard it can be to get over it.
One wrote: "Holly I feel for you so much right now and know your Roxy will have brought so much love and joy to your family. He is such a beautiful fur ball, bless him Holly."
Another added: "Oh no! It's absolutely heartbreaking when you lose a pet. They are so much more than pets. I'm sure Roxy was one spoilt kitty and is extremely grateful for a life of love, fun, adventures and treats. I think they will be waiting for us at the end. Much love to your family x."
Someone else remembered Roxy'a appearance on This Morning saying: "Aww holly. Sorry. I remember her on TM with the pet whisperer a few years back, when you were told you would have another child, and your utter speechlessness at the comment. Beautiful cat."
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