Loose Women's Gloria Hunniford sparks concern as she addresses health woes after recent family tragedy

Gloria Hunniford returned to Loose Women on Monday and spoke to co-hosts Charlene White, Olivia Attwood and Denise Welch about her health following her husband's death

Loose Women's Gloria Hunniford has opened up about her recent weight loss during her return to the popular ITV show. The 84 year old made a triumphant return to the celebrity panel on Monday (October 7) after taking time off following the death of her husband, Stephen Way.

In August, it was revealed that Gloria had become a widow after Stephen lost his long battle with illness. Speaking to Charlene White, Olivia Attwood and Denise Welch, Gloria gave her co-stars an update on how she's coping.

This prompted Charlene to note that Gloria now appears "smaller" than when she last appeared on the show. Charlene said: "Obviously grief presents itself in different ways and it can do so physically as well. Before anyone starts worrying that you're unwell and that you're smaller than you were when you were here last time, can you clear that up?"

Joking that she was always the shortest among the Loose Women crew, Gloria responded: "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."

"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 added: "But I am fine!" Gloria then expressed her gratitude to her co-stars and everyone working on Loose Women, reports the Mirror. Viewers at home also sent their warm wishes as Gloria made her comeback.

Viewers have expressed their condolences for Gloria Hunniford, who is mourning the loss of her husband. One fan wrote: "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 conveyed their respects, commenting: "Oh God love Gloria Hunniford, beautiful woman. Saluted. Xx."

A third noted the visible impact of her grief: "Sadly how losing her husband has taken its toll on Gloria, bless her... she's lost a lot of weight."

The sadness surrounding Stephen Way's passing was shared in August by the family through a statement, which stated: "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 reflected on the deep loss, 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."