GB News presenter Ellie Costello became visibly upset on air while announcing the death of D-Day veteran Henry Rice, who died aged 100. The 33-year-old appeared downcast as co-host Alex Armstrong said: "We've received some very sad news early this morning."
Emotional Tribute on Air
Breaking the story, 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."
She continued: "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."
A Veteran Remembered
Costello added: "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 concluded: "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 nodded: "Yes, but what a legacy he leaves."
Final Act of Remembrance
The programme then switched to a photograph of Rice beaming as she narrated over it, promising viewers she would attempt to locate a clip from 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 concurred, adding: "Your family would be so so proud. Henry, thank you for your service."
Royal Navy signalman Henry was one of two Second World War heroes who made a poignant return to France for the 82nd anniversary in June. Tragically, his comrade Ken Hay passed away last month at the age of 101. This summer, the pair, affectionately dubbed The Totemic Two, stood on Sword Beach where thousands of soldiers had once stormed ashore under a hailstorm of bullets on June 6, 1944. It was to be their final act of remembrance.
Henry served aboard the landing ship HMS Eastway, transporting troops and supplies to the carnage-ridden beaches. Speaking to the Express in Normandy about his dwindling band of brothers, he reflected: "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."
He added: "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."
