Lorraine Kelly announces the death of ‘astonishing’ ITV star, pausing show for moving tribute

Lorraine Kelly announced the death of her ITV co-star, interrupting Monday’s episode to pay a touching tribute.

The 64-year-old TV presenter said she was “very sorry” as she announced the sad news on her self-titled show.

While pausing her performance, she revealed that her Change + Check choir member, Heather Sawyer, had died of secondary breast cancer.

The Change + Check campaign was launched in 2019 and gained recognition thanks to stickers encouraging people to check themselves in changing rooms.

After a commercial break on her show, Lorraine told viewers: “I’m so sorry to have to share some sad news this morning.

“One of our amazing singers, Heather Sawyer, died of secondary breast cancer. Heather was only 50 years old and an amazing woman.

“She was a huge part of the choir, she was so passionate about everything. Incredible.’

Heather died after the cancer spread to the left hemisphere of her brain, causing slurred speech, pain and nausea in the final days of her life.

After the tragic events, Heather was transferred to St. Peter’s Hospice last week. Teresa.

Dr Hilary Jones, who appeared on the show alongside Lorraine, added: “A wonderful lady. She sang with the choir at the Palladium to celebrate the Change + Check campaign.

Heather’s husband, Lee, confirmed her death on Sunday, posting a statement on her Instagram.

He said: “The update we never wanted to give…

“Shortly before 1 a.m. this morning, October 5, Heather lost her battle with cancer, took her last breath, and died peacefully.

“We know how many people have followed Heather’s journey and how many lives she has touched through the sheer volume of messages, voice notes and the flood of #hevupsocials…

“As a family, we would like to first of all thank each of you, the beautiful people who visited us during this time, sent us well wishes and were thinking about Heather.

“It did not go unnoticed and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of you as you all told her how much she was loved in her final days.”

The news devastated her friends, who began flocking to the comments box to send their condolences to Lee.

One wrote: “I feel honored to have met Heather when I attended my first ever @cancerincommon event that Heather hosted earlier this year. Since then, we have been connected on Instagram, sharing news together. Heather impacted so many people and I know she made a huge difference to everyone that day. Heather is the most selfless person and has a completely kind heart I am so sorry for this great loss to the BC community and all of Heathers friends and family. There will definitely be a great void for everyone xxxx’

“I’m so sorry and heartbroken, I can’t even imagine how you feel. I wish I could take away some of the pain. What an absolutely amazing person she is and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet her xxxx’

“Large space in our hearts. Sending my love to Lee and family. Such a determined and strong lady, Heather is… another star that shines in our night sky. We C&C girls will miss her mischievous ways xxx”

“I was honored to meet Heather over the weekend and have her as a member of the Magical Midlife community. She was a woman who touched many.”

“Totally devastated to hear this, Heather was a truly extraordinary woman who left behind a considerable legacy in the choir. Sending huge love to the family.”