Robert Rinder made a much-welcome return to Good Morning Britain on Monday (December 5) but was left holding back the tears as he opened up about a recent personal loss. The TV star, known to many as Judge Rinder thanks to his own show, was back at the helm of the ITV daytime show alongside Susanna Reid.
And during his latest appearance on the show as one of the main hosts, Rob made an emotional tribute to his late dog Rocco following his "sudden" and "unexpected" death last week.
The heartbroken criminal barrister announced to his fans that his beloved pooch passed away in a social media post on Friday (December 2). Posting photos of Rocco cuddling up to him as they both slept, Rob wrote: "My Rocco died suddenly yesterday. He blessed me with a lifetime of loyalty & limitless joy.
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"I don't speak about my private world normally. But wanted to share my profound sadness with anybody who has ever loved a dog. It is the deepest gift of unconditional love imaginable." His celeb friends were quick to add their comments and send their condolences, including ITV stars Ruth Langsford, Holly Willoughby and former BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin.
But this morning, Rob fought back the tears on GMB as he revealed all on his loss as he showed his support to the programmes 1 Million Minutes campaign, which fights against loneliness.
Susanna then told him, as she offered her support: "I know how close you were to Rocco," while her pal admitted the loss of Rocco had left him feeling "lonely".
"Like most people I wasn't necessarily a dog person, but then this beautiful snoring creature came into my life and gave me absolute loyalty and unconditional love," Rob said. "There's nothing like the profound delight of arriving home and somebody, this beautiful creature, being completely full of limitless joy just to see you. No human being will give you that."
He added: "Anyone who is a dog owner who has ever experienced that sort of loss will understand. I never thought I'd be this person. There are many people out there who might roll their eyes and shrug their shoulders and know there are big issues in the world.
"I know for sure, and I never thought I would be this person and I know people out there who might roll their eyes and shrug their shoulders, I know there are big issues in the world, but to have had the gift of loyalty, of a loving dog and to have lost that dog or a pet is a challenging thing."
Rob became emotional as Susanna quickly reached out her hand. He then went on to say: "To have had the gift of loyalty of a loving dog and to have lost that dog or a pet is a challenging thing. Years ago I might have been a bit sceptical of, but thank you for a beautiful loving life and I loved him very, very much."
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