Who is Loose Women panellist Gloria Hunniford?
The presenter has paid tribute to her beloved husband Stephen
OVER the years Gloria Hunniford has become a national treasure, thanks to her long career in television.
Sadly in August 2024, the Loose Women star revealed how her beloved husband Stephen Way had died aged 85 after "heroically fighting his illness".
Who is Gloria Hunniford?
Gloria Hunniford was born in Portadown, Northern Ireland, on April 10, 1940.
Since launching to fame in the 80s, she has forged an incredible TV career.
These days Gloria is best known for Loose Women, where she is part of the show's panel.
Her other big shows include Rip Off Britain, BBC's Doorstep Crime 999, Home Away From Home, and Food: Truth Or Scare.
Gloria also had her own daily BBC Radio 2 show, and took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2005.
She came to prominence in the UK fronting chat show Sunday Sunday from 1982–1990.
Who was Gloria Hunniford’s husband?
Gloria married hairdresser Stephen Way in September 1998, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
They marked their 25th wedding anniversary in 2023 by taking a trip to where they tied the knot.
Speaking to at the time, Gloria said "love, laughter and good conversation" is key to a happy marriage.
She added: "Of course, there is physical attraction, but our relationship is full of kindness and humour.
"We enjoy talking to each other. Talk, talk, talk – that is a wonderful thing."
Sadly on August 14, 2024, it was revealed Stephen had passed away aged 85.
In a statement, his family said: “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.”
A bright shining light has dimmed, and he shall be missed at every turn
Gloria Hunniford on the death of her husband
Devastated Gloria said: “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.”
She 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.”
In 2023, Gloria revealed how her husband had been left partially blind in his right eye after suffering a second stroke.
He suffered his first stroke in 2012 and had a heart attack in 2004.
Who was Gloria Hunniford daughter Caron Keating?
Before marrying Stephen, Gloria was married to Don Keating and together they had three children.
Don passed away in 1997, and then tragedy struck again when her beloved daughter Caron Keating died in April 2004 aged just 41.
She had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Speaking on Loose Women, Gloria said: "My Caron also lost her hair. I can hardly say this without weeping because she had beautiful long hair, and to see that being cut to get ready for it.
The grieving mum added: "Her loss of hair...she would never let her little boys see her without the wig."
Caron was a television presenter who joined the Blue Peter team in the 1980s, and appeared on several other shows including This Morning and co-hosted a show on BBC Radio 5.
Gloria is mum to her two sons with Don, Michael and Paul.