Gloria Hunniford broke down in tears as she paid an emotional tribute to her late daughter on what would have been her 60th birthday. The TV star allowed Loose Women to honour Caron Keating's birthday live on Wednesday's show (October 5).
Caron died in 2004 at the age of 41 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She left behind two sons, Charlie and Gabriel, who were just ten and seven at the time. Since her daughter's death, Gloria set up the Caron Keating Foundation alongside her sons Paul and Michael to offer support to cancer charities across the country.
During the latest edition of Loose Women, panellist Gloria appeared in a short film, in which she opened up about her daughter and reminisced over the close bond they shared. Caron’s stepfather also appeared in the VT and recalled their private conversations and ‘personal chats’. Caron’s brothers also told of their 'disbelief' when discovering Caron had cancer.
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The film also featured clips of Caron hosting the likes of This Morning and Blue Peter before she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. After playing out a film she had made honouring her daughter's memory, the cameras returned to the panel and Coleen Nolan was seen holding an emotional Gloria's hand.
The Northern Irish TV and radio star said: "A clip of Caron can come up at short notice on telly and I can bear that for a minute but when you see that all put together," before breaking down in tears. "I do find it very emotional when I see lots of clips of her moving, living, laughing because she was a very special girl and she loved life."
Gloria, 82, added: "I am very proud of what she did and the woman she became. It was just too soon." Christine Lampard said Gloria’s moving word would ‘resonate’ with so many people and commented: "It’s that suffering that no one wants to endure." She also spoke of being inspired by Caron as a young, Norther Irish girl wanting to make it in the industry."
Meanwhile, Coleen remembered Caron as a "lovely, down-to-earth woman" which prompted Gloria to tell her co-stars, the show's live audience and viewers that she was ‘"very different" and made reference to her "off the wall" humour. "She was the woman I loved talking to the most," she said before later adding: "You learn to live around that black hole."
Loose Women viewers were quick to rush to social media to show their support and send Gloria and her family all their love. @Michell97251184 tweeted: "Sending love and hugs to Gloria and family on this special day Carons 60th birthday #LooseWomen." @twwwitterrrr commented: "Oh Gloria you've me crying too. Bless you xxxxx #Loosewomen."
@mary_pippin1 posted: "Oh gosh poor Gloria someone please give her a hug x #loosewomen." @Mabel_Mouse_ shared: "I think Caron Keating would still be on the telly today. She was good at what she did. Much love to Gloria & the family today #loosewomen." @rarelyhere5810 added: "Big hugs to Gloria and family. In tears over here too. Happy 60th birthday Caron #loosewomen."
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