Phil Spencer has received an outpouring of condolences from his TV colleagues after his parents died in a car crash over the weekend.
The presenter’s mother Anne and father David died on their farm in Littlebourne, Kent, while on their way to lunch on Friday (August 18).
In the wake of the tragic passing, the 53-year-old shared the news of their death on Instagram, in which he detailed his parents’ last moments and said the family are “desperately sad and shocked beyond all belief”, but are clear that “if there can ever be such a thing as having a ‘good end’ – this was it”.
He added: “It feels horrendous right now, but after almost 60 years of marriage, to die together on the farm they so loved will, I know, be a comfort in the future.
“Mum and Dad are together, which is precisely where they would have wanted to be.” Read his full statement here.
Spencer’s post was met with a wave of support from many of his peers, including his long-time Location, Location, Location co-host Kirstie Allsopp, who asked fans to join her in “sending so much love” to the presenter.
Allsopp first took to her own Instagram feed to remember the late couple, writing alongside a photo taken recently of them together: “This lovely photograph, recently taken at their home in Kent, is of Anne and David Spencer.
“I am desperately sad to have to say that they were both killed yesterday in a car accident near their home.
“They were farmers, animal lovers and devoted parents to Robert, Caryn, Helen and Philip and adored their eight grandchildren.
She continued: “The only blessing is that they died together, so will never have to mourn the loss of each other.
“I suspect many of you may want to join me in sending so much love to Phil and all his family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, thank you.”
The 51-year-old also commented under Spencer’s Instagram post, sharing: “Such a brave and loving statement and so typical of you and your lovely family.”
Following Allsopp’s lead, fellow broadcaster Ben Fogle wrote: “So sorry Phil”, accompanied by a red heart emoji.
This Morning’s Craig Doyle commented: “Oh Phil, this is so very sad. My thoughts are with you and your family. May they rest in peace.”
While former A Place in the Sun presenter Amanda Lamb penned: “Oh Phil, I’m so so sorry to hear this. Sending all of you my prayers and thoughts… they look like they were great fun. What wonderful parents and such a glorious couple.”
Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins also shared her sympathies, writing: “I’m so very sorry Phil, what a shocking thing to have happened. Sending love.”
“My thoughts are with you and the family,” remarked TV chef Phil Vickery while Scottish presenter Jenni Falconer commented: “Oh Phil, sending so much love to you and your family. This is truly heartbreaking.”
