GB News presenter Ellie Costello became visibly emotional on air as she announced the death of Henry Rice, a 100-year-old D-Day veteran and hero. The 33-year-old looked sombre as co-presenter Alex Armstrong shared: "We've received some very sad news early this morning."
Presenter's emotional tribute
Explaining the news, Costello said: "I'm just really sad. I've just been looking through the papers, and I've spotted a lovely man that I met in Normandy, who is Henry Rice, who is 100 years old, who GB News has spoken to, well, for years now. I know Sophie Reaper has spoken to him as well at his house."
"He's very sadly died at the age of 100, and he is a D-Day hero and a D-Day veteran, and he was such a character and really cheeky. He just had the best smile and was just so endearing, and it's just very very sad news that we've just seen this morning," she continued.
A life of remembrance
"He's from Cranley in Surrey, and he spent so many years talking about his friends and honouring his fallen friends who fell on D-Day. And he went back to Normandy every single year. And he used to say that he cries for them, but he doesn't cry for himself because he's one of the lucky ones who actually came home," she said.
"So we're thinking of his family today, and may he rest in peace. He was a hero."
Armstrong added: "Just a teenager when he fought in Normandy. Such a brave man, such a brave man." Costello agreed: "Yes, but what a legacy he leaves."
Last act of remembrance
The show then cut to a photo of Rice smiling as she spoke over it, telling viewers she would try to find a clip of their interview. "Just such a character, such a gentleman," she said. "...You can get a sense of just the kind of character that he was. But Henry Rice, what a man you were!"
Armstrong agreed, adding: "Your family would be so so proud. Henry, thank you for your service."
Henry was one of two Second World War veterans who returned to France for the 82nd anniversary in June. Last month, his friend Ken Hay died at 101. This summer The Totemic Two, as they were known, stood on Sword Beach where thousands of soldiers scrambled ashore amid a ferocious volley of gunfire on June 6, 1944. It was to be their last act of remembrance.
Henry served on the landing ship HMS Eastway, ferrying soldiers and supplies to the blood-soaked beaches. Speaking to the Express in Normandy of his pals who dwindled in number as the years advanced, he said: "A couple of years ago we were the Magnificent Seven, then it was the Fabulous Five, and now it is just the two of us. Each year the number is diminishing, but when I go back to Normandy I am back in service. I go because it is my duty. And when I am there I look skywards and think, 'boy, I am lucky'. I close my eyes, look up, and just say, 'thank you, mate' because I am sure someone up there was looking after me."
