Kate Garraway sent her support to ITV colleague Coleen Nolan after the heartbreaking death of her sister Linda on Wednesday.
Linda passed away at a hospital peacefully aged 65, surrounded by loved ones including her beloved siblings.
The star had battled breast cancer for more than two decades. After being diagnosed in 2005, she was given the all-clear in 2011, but the cancer returned as secondary breast cancer in 2017. By 2020, it had spread further, and in 2023, it affected her brain.
Tributes poured in for the star, who was part of iconic Irish family group The Nolans along with Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne. Coleen’s devastated Loose Women colleagues paused the show as it opened on Wednesday to send their own words of support to their co-star.
And on Thursday morning’s Good Morning Britain, Kate was joined by co-host Ed Balls as well as Linda’s good friend, actress Vicki Michelle.
Kate said: “Linda was such a dear friend of the show and of course appearances on Loose Women. Coleen Nolan from Loose Women, we are thinking of you this morning.”
‘Allo Allo’ icon Vicki also shared her own sweet tribute. Kate started off saying: “I say it’s so sad because those that loved her and knew her are missing her but what is so inspirational about her is that she lived every second with such possibility and drive that you feel she made the most of her last days of life.”
Vicki replied: “I think that is what Linda was about. She was so positive, caring and kind and she never gave into it and I think she inspired a lot of people not to. I think that’s why she survived so long, her positivity. I think it was the driving force that kept her with us.”
EastEnders star Vicki went on: “It was such a shock because I never thought she would go. I thought she would get through this because it was 20 years ago when it was first there.
“She was always so positive and fun – when you saw her on TV she was always up and I think that it was so lovely about her.”
On Instagram last night, Coleen broke her silence about Linda’s death as she said: “I am utterly devastated by the passing of my sister, Linda. Linda was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her wit, humour and laughter was infectious, her presence could light up any room. Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.
“Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, and while we will miss her more than words can express, we take solace in the love and warmth she shared with all of us. Rest in peace, Linda. You will forever be in our hearts.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX
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