Gloria Hunniford sparked concerns last year after the death of her husband Stephen Way.
The panellist had fans worrying for her as she appeared on the show after losing a considerable amount of weight. She made her comeback on the show back in October 2024, after Stephen passed away in August due to a lingering illness.
During a segment with Charlene White, Olivia Attwood, and , Gloria shared updates about her health. Charlene observed that Gloria seemed “smaller” than before, sparking a discussion about how grief affects one physically.
Concerned for Gloria’s health, Charlene asked, “Obviously grief presents itself in different ways and it can do so physically as well. Before anyone starts, you know, worrying that you’re unwell and that you’re smaller than you were when you were here last time, can you clear that up?”
Maintaining her trademark wit, Gloria joked about her height compared to the other panellists, then clarified, “The thing is that, obviously when your partner’s ill, like the anxiety and the worry and all of that. Of course I’ve lost weight because you don’t eat properly, you’re always thinking of the other person.”
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Gloria Hunniford lost her husband Stephen Way (Image: PA)
Gloria assured viewers she was healthy and coping well, thanking her sons for their attentive care and ensuring she maintains a good diet: “But I am fine, thank you very much indeed and my two sons when they come to visit they always watch what I eat.”
Gloria affirmed confidently, “But I am fine!” and went on to offer heartfelt thanks to her colleagues and the Loose Women team. Meanwhile, dedicated fans flocked to social media to send her their thoughts and kind words as she made a courageous return to our screens.
On Twitter, sympathies were abound with one fan penning: “Dear #Gloria I’m so so sorry to learn of your recent bereavement. God bless you, and glad you have your #loosewomen family who love you. #thinking of you.”
Gloria Hunniford made a return to Loose Women after a break (Image: ITV)
Another admirer left a poignant homage: “Oh God love Gloria Hunniford, beautiful woman. Saluted. Xx.”
A different viewer noted Gloria’s marked change in appearance, observing: “Sadly how losing her husband has taken its toll on Gloria, bless her… she’s lost a lot of weight.”
The star opened up on her health (Image: ITV)
Back in August, the family of Stephen Way shared their grievous news. Their declamation read: “It is with huge sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the passing of Stephen Way, Gloria’s beloved husband, who lost his battle yesterday afternoon. Stephen had been heroically fighting his illness… but always with great tenacity and a positive spirit.”
Gloria candidly shared her grief, saying: “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.”