On Wednesday, Loose Women star Gloria Hunniford confirmed her husband Stephen Way had died at the age of 85 after battling an illness

On Thursday’s episode of Loose Women, a heartfelt tribute was paid to Gloria Hunniford, who sadly lost her husband Stephen Way following an illness.

Stephen, a renowned celebrity hairdresser, died on Tuesday following a “heroic fight” with an illness, his family confirmed in a statement.

Kaye Adams, after introducing the upcoming segments of the show, took a moment to speak about their beloved friend and colleague, Gloria.

She began by saying: “We couldn’t go any further without sending all of our love and blessed wishes to Gloria and all of her family.

“I think you might be aware that her husband Stephen has passed away. In a statement, Gloria said Stephen had been ‘heroically fighting his illness, but always with great tenacity and spirit.

We had a tremendously happy 25 marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish’,” as reported by the Mirror.

Kaye Adams sent an emotional message to Gloria on the show (Image: ITV)As the studio audience applauded, Denise Welch added: “We want you to know, Gloria, that we have you in our hearts and we know you will be surrounded by so much love because you have a wonderful family. We all loved Stephen and we love you very much.”

Reflecting on her loss on Wednesday, Gloria stated: “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 continued: “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.”

Gloria and Stephen had been married for 20 years (Image: PA)
Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in for Gloria and Stephen, who enjoyed a blissful 25-year marriage. Eamonn Holmes, Gloria’s former co-star, expressed his deep condolences on Instagram.

“I feel the pain of Gloria my dear friend of 40 plus years on the loss of Stephen – a true gent and a scholar,” the GB News presenter penned before adding: “My genuine heartfelt condolences.”

Gloria and Stephen tied the knot at St Peter’s Church in Kent in 1998 – and last year, they revisited the same spot to mark their silver wedding anniversary.

Speaking to Hello Magazine at the time, Gloria reminisced: “I can remember walking into the church, filled with family and friends, and the candles all lit – it was wonderful. We’ve often said we would love to live it all over again.”

“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.”