Sombre Lorraine Kelly halts ITV show to announce death of co-star

Lorraine Kelly was left devastated on Monday as she announced the tragic death of her Change + Check Choir member Heather Sawyer, who had been battling secondary breast cancer

ITV's Lorraine Kelly had to make a sombre interruption to her show on Monday, announcing the tragic news that a member of the Change + Check Choir had succumbed to secondary breast cancer. After returning from a commercial break, the Scottish host shared the sad update, explaining that the individual was part of the choir formed through the ITV show to mark the fifth anniversary of Lorraine's campaign promoting breast examination.

With support from singer Joss Stone, they launched their first song "Golden" in 2023. Heather Sawyer, who was part of the choir and sadly diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 cancer, has died. Her husband announced her passing on October 5th via social media.

Lorraine told viewers: "I'm very sorry to have to share some sad news this morning. One of our amazing singers, Heather Sawyer, has died from secondary breast cancer. Heather was only 50 years old, an astonishing woman."

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She continued, "She was such a huge part of the choir, so passionate about everything. Amazing," reports the Express. Dr Hilary, joining Lorraine on the show, commented: "Wonderful lady. She sang at the Palladium with the choir, to celebrate the Change + Check campaign."

Lee, Heather's husband, shared the heartbreaking news: "Shortly before 1am this morning 5th October Heather lost her fight to cancer and took her last breaths and passed away peacefully. We know just how many people have followed Heather's journey and how many lives she has touched from the sheer volume of messages, voice notes, the flood of the #hevupsocials hashtag.."

In a moving tribute, the family said: "We as a family want to firstly thank each and every one of you beautiful people who have visited, sent well wishes and thought of Heather during this time. It has not gone unnoticed and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of you as you all made her know just how loved she was in her final days."

Heather, aged 50 and a grandmother to 11, tragically entered a decisive phase in her cancer battle when the disease spread to her brain's left side, which led to her hospice transfer for comfort care. Prior to this, Heather had bravely undergone treatments including a mastectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in her determined fight against the illness.