Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones have sent their condolences to their BBC colleague Rebecca Wilcox following the death of her mother, Dame Esther Rantzen, at the age of 86 after a battle with stage four lung cancer.
Opening Thursday's (October 1) episode of Morning Live, Helen said: "Dame Esther's daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, of course, is our colleague; she is also our friend. Our hearts go out to her and her siblings."
Presenters pay tribute on air
Gethin added: "Rebecca often spoke about her mum and how much her warmth and determination and mischievous nature inspired her."
The presenters told viewers they would be reflecting on Esther's life and her legacy, with a tribute shown featuring snippets of her career as a voiceover. Gethin called her a 'trailblazing presenter'.
One segment featured a Morning Live film from earlier this year in which Rebecca spoke fondly about Esther, saying at the time: "My mum is a huge inspiration to me."
Legacy and family statement
Gethin commented: "She (Esther) has lots of fans here at Morning Live, she became part of our family on the show, and actually, one of her legacies is that she paved the way for shows like Morning Live to happen."
Helen added: "Family is such an interesting term because I suspect she feels like family to lots of people watching at home now. That is because she's had such a long career and led so many important conversations."
The presenters also touched on a statement released by Rebecca and her siblings, which Gethin called 'perfect' as he reflected on the 'beautiful words' spoken about Esther. Helen added: "Watching that (tribute), it makes you smile and makes you celebrate. I hope that's the right sentiment. I think it is the right sentiment."
They read out part of the statement in which Esther's children said they were 'grateful' she was 'finally at rest' with her husband Desmond, before commenting on how much they will miss her 'immeasurably'.
The statement continued: "She was our sunshine. We will always remember her endless capacity for joy, her ability to comfort every heartache, her beautiful way with words and her expert guidance in all things.
"She was the most wonderful mother to us three children and a cherished grandmother to her five treasured grandchildren. We have been so lucky for so long, no matter how much time we had with Mum it could be never be enough, but we are so grateful for our lives together."
Morning Live is available to watch weekdays on BBC One from 9:30am.
