Gloria Hunniford opened up about the heartache she has faced since her husband Stephen Way died last August. During the show broadcasted on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the beloved television host, aged 84, mustered the strength to discuss her sense of loss with fellow presenters Janet Street-Porter, 78, Lesley Joseph, 79, and Prue Leith, 84, during the special 70+ episode.
The conversation among the panellists uncovered shared feelings about the loneliness and physical discomforts often accompanying older years, particularly the aches from daily life without regular exercise to energize them.
Gloria opened up about her grief and what it has been like coping without Stephen. She said: "If I may pick up on something Prue said, I very sadly lost my husband about four months ago and you're absolutely right when you say you'd hate to be without your husband."
She reflected on her newfound solitude, stating: "Because no matter what age you are, if you suddenly think to yourself 'gosh I am on my own and I've never lived on my own.'" Gloria acknowledged she’s rarely alone, thanks to her supportive family, but she admitted, "I have always lived with husbands," playfully teasing her co-host Janet: "I only had two of them, Janet you had about five."
Janet chuckled and agreed with her, adding, "Yeah," as Gloria continued, her tone tinged with nostalgia: "I've always lived with husbands and children, so when you lose your partner, as in my case, we had 30 fabulous years. I mean, great memories and everything, and people are rightly very quick to say 'oh you have all those lovely memories to keep you going.'" At this point, Janet stepped in, advising her: "No, now you've got to build a new life now Gloria."
To this, Gloria nodded, saying: "Yes you do. Fortunately, I am a positive person and we have a phrase in our house, 'what's the alternative?' and what is the alternative? You've got to try and pick yourself up."
Gloria's husband Stephen passed away last summer, with his family releasing a statement at the time saying: "It is with huge sadness and very heavy hearts 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 positive spirit."
Stephen faced multiple health challenges, including past heart attacks and strokes. Gloria praised the NHS for their role after he suffered serious injuries from a taxi accident and always spoke lovingly of their enduring bond even amid his health struggles.
On returning to 'Loose Women', Gloria sparked concern after losing weight, which she attributed to stress and worry. Thanks to her family's attentive care, she affirmed on air, "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 received warm support from fans on social media as she made her first comeback on the show. One 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."
Reflecting on her grief, Gloria declared: "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 incredibly kind, generous, and caring, with a delightfully quirky sense of humor, which remained till the end. We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together."
‘Loose Women’ continues to be broadcast weekdays on ITV1, from 12:30 pm, where Gloria has remained a beloved figure proving her resilience through heartache.