The atmosphere on This Morning was charged with emotion this Wednesday.
Celebrity stylist Trevor Sorbie made a heartfelt appearance on the programme, discussing his own battle with terminal cancer. The revelation that he had only weeks to live prompted an outpouring of personal accounts from viewers to Deidre Sanders.
One viewer, seeking guidance amidst his health struggles, confided in presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. The caller said: “I’ve been poorly for a couple of years and I was told on Monday that I’ve probably got four to six months.”
Overcome with emotion, the caller shared that he hadn’t yet broken the news to his loved ones, asking: “I just wanted to see if, Deidre, you’ve got any tips or hints on how to tell people.”
Asking how old he was, ITV viewers learnt the man calling with in his 40s. She replied: “It’s just doubly tragic when someone as young as you are.”
Offering some advice, Deidre told the man to try and share this news with those closest to him as soon as he could. Deidre added: “I know it’s tough trying to find those words, it’s partly your fear of what’s coming, makes it very hard to find the words which is completely understandable.”
Informing him that she’d stay on the phone to speak to him off-air, other callers rang the show for help.
One woman confessed she was overwhelmed with her dad’s diagnosis after learning his diagnosis is now terminal. Breaking down in tears on the phone, she wanted to know how to support her dad and her mum.
She added: “I’ve not long ago had my baby girl, which is their only granddaughter, I’m just really concerned on how to make memories with them.”
Again, Deidre told the woman she’d give her more support away from the show, hearing how troubled she was. The final caller struggled to get through her situation, with Ben having to step in and help by reading what was happening.
He said: “Sharon recently found out that her friend of over 45 years has the same pancreatic cancer that killed her father.”
People watching the show were moved to tears after hearing the heartbreaking stories. One person said: “Good lord, this is a really hard watch today… ” Another added: “This phone-in is so sad.”
Someone else commented: “Just made a cuppa, sat down and the #ThisMorning phone in is just heartbreaking. Can’t bear it, sending love to Nathan and Penny.”
“I’m overwhelmed listening to this phone in,” wrote one viewer. While another tweeted: “11:28am and my tears start. Bless you, Nathan. Too young. It makes me realise I should appreciate life more and stop moaning about petty stuff! “
This Morning continues on weekdays on ITV from 10am.