Yahoo News This Morning Agony Aunt Denise Robertson Dies Aged 83 After Losing Battle With Pancreatic Cancer
This Morning’s beloved agony aunt Denise Robertston has died, aged 83.
The heart-breaking news was announced on the ITV programme’s Twitter account earlier this morning.
Copyright [Steve Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]
The tweet read: “Such sad news- our friend and colleague Denise Robertson has lost her short but determined battle against cancer. Full tribute at 10.30.”
Copyright [Twitter/@itvthismorning]
Denise had become part of the family over at This Morning, having made regular appearances on the show since it first began in 1988.
Fans became concerned for the star’s wellbeing after she was noticeably absent from her usual feature for several weeks.
In mid-February, presenter Ruth Langsford shared a statement about Denise’s diagnosis, revealing that it had come as a surprise but she did not plan to “give up without a fight.”
Addressing the matter, she had written: “I’m sorry I’ve not been around for a couple of weeks but a persistent health issue has turned into something quite a lot bigger. I’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“It has come as a surprise to me and my family but we know that many others have suffered and dealt with this condition and I don’t plan to give up without a fight.
"My doctor is referring me for chemotherapy and hopefully that will start soon.
"I’d like to thank all the lovely viewers of This Morning who have been concerned about my health recently and I hope I’ll be back on the sofa soon.”
Copyright [Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock
The news of her passing has left friends, family and fans devastated with many of her showbiz pals sharing their heartfelt condolences on Twitter.
This Morning colleague Phillip Schofield tweeted: “I’m heartbroken at the passing of our @itvthismorning icon Denise Robertson. Kind, thoughtful, caring & wonderful.”
Copyright [Twitter/@Rylan
While Rylan Clark-Neal shared a touching tribute of his own: “Devastated. The nicest and kindest woman in tele. Will miss her so much. She’ll always be the only woman for me.”
Copyright [Twitter/@Rylan]
Denise became a popular member of the ITV team, which led to her being offered her own TV show, Dear Denise, in 2000, and she was appointed an MBE in 2006 for services to broadcasting and to charity.
In addition to her work on the small screen, the Sunderland-born broadcaster ran her own advice website and had a monthly magazine column.
Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]
She had sadly lost her first husband Alex Robertson to lung cancer in 1972, but kept his surname when she remarried. In 2006 her stepson, John, also died of cancer aged 44.
Her childhood friend and husband Bryan Thubron, and her son Mark Alexander Robertson survive Denise.
There will be an empty space on This Morning’s sofa and an empty space in our hearts. Rest in peace Denise Robertson (1932-2016).
