Ryan Tubridy spoke of Vicky Phelan's absence on the Late Late Show on Friday night as an update on her health was given by Stephen Teap.
The chat show host explained to viewers that while he had hoped to interview the women's health advocate on tonight's show unfortunately she wasn't well enough to come into the studio. Vicky was due to speak ahead of the release of the documentary 'Vicky' which is landing in cinemas next weekend, but in her place was Campaigners Stephen Teap, whose wife Irene died of cervical cancer, and Lorraine Walsh.
The pair discussed Vicky’s tireless campaigning and inspirational work in the wake of the CervicalCheck scandal. Ryan explained: "I'm sorry she's not well enough at this time and of course we are thinking of her, her kids, and family.
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"But with us are two people who know Vicky and continue to fight alongside her." Stephen then gave an update on Vicky's health admitting that she has had a "rough time" recently but that she is staying optimistic.
"We all know what she's been going through the past few years with this terminal illness. Like anybody out there you have good days and bad days," he said. "She has just been through a rough time as of recent. She started a new chemotherapy session last week which has been pretty tough on her.
"She wanted me to share that with everybody because that's why she's not here today. She has already improved in the last two days which is great.
"For her, it's all about quality of life and spending time are with her kids. Our thoughts are with her as she gets that quality back again."
Ryan then continued the interview with Stephen and Lorraine as they discussed Vicky's long-lasting impact on Irish society.
Lorraine revealed that she is ten years cancer-free this week while Stephen spoke about the reality of raising his sons without his wife Irene by his side, and both won praise with Late Late Show viewers for their honesty. Previously, the RTE chat show took a dive in the ratings.
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