Loose Women's Gloria Hunniford opens up about own health after husband's passing

Loose Women star Gloria Hunniford has returned to the ITV show following the death of her husband Stephen Way, and she's addressed the weight loss that fans have noticed

Gloria Hunniford has opened up about her recent weight loss upon her triumphant return to Loose Women on ITV.

The veteran broadcaster, 84, graced the panel once again this Monday (October 7) after a period of mourning following the death of her beloved husband Stephen Way in August amid his prolonged illness.

In conversation with panellists Charlene White, Olivia Attwood, and Denise Welch, Gloria offered an update on her wellbeing, prompting Charlene to note that Gloria looked "smaller" since her last appearance on the show.

Addressing concerns about her health, Charlene inquired: "Obviously grief presents itself in different ways and I 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?"

With her signature humour, Gloria quipped she had always been the shortest amongst the Loose Women team before explaining: "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," reports the Mirror.

She reassured everyone that she was indeed doing well, expressing gratitude for the vigilance of her two sons over her 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."

She affirmed, "But I am fine!" Gloria concluded by expressing her heartfelt thanks to her co-stars and the Loose Women crew, while devoted viewers shared their supportive messages as Gloria returned to the screen.

Viewers took to social media to express their heartfelt sympathies. One concerned fan shared on Twitter: "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."

Another added a touching tribute: "Oh God love Gloria Hunniford, beautiful woman. Saluted. Xx." While a third commented on her visible distress: "Sadly how losing her husband has taken its toll on Gloria, bless her... she's lost a lot of weight."

Back in August, the family of Stephen Way announced his passing with profound sorrow. Their statement expressed their feelings: "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 herself opened up about her loss, stating: "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."

Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1.