ITV newsreader and Loose Women panellist Charlene White has shared an emotionally charged confession about her father's funeral that has remained with her for years. The 43-year-old presenter revealed the heartbreaking moment she feels she failed to properly say goodbye to her late father during his final send-off.
White, who lost her father when she was just a child, described the funeral scene with vivid clarity, recalling how she stood outside the church, unable to bring herself to view his body one last time. "I didn't go in to see him," she confessed during an emotional segment on Loose Women, her voice filled with regret.
The Weight of Unspoken Goodbyes
The popular broadcaster explained that while other family members took their final moments with her father, she remained outside the chapel doors. "Everyone else went in to see him and I just stood outside the door and didn't go in," White revealed, adding that this decision has haunted her ever since.
Her co-hosts listened intently as she described the internal conflict that prevented her from entering. The moment represents what she calls her "biggest regret" surrounding her father's passing - a missed opportunity for closure that has lingered throughout her life.
A Journey Through Grief
White's father passed away from bowel cancer when she was just seven years old, leaving a profound impact on her childhood and subsequent adult life. The presenter has previously spoken about how his death shaped her perspective on life and family.
This latest revelation adds another layer to her public discussions about grief, demonstrating how childhood losses can continue to resonate decades later. Her honesty provides comfort to others who may carry similar regrets about their own experiences with bereavement.
Finding Peace Amid Regret
Despite the pain of this memory, White has learned to navigate her grief while building a successful television career. As one of ITV's most recognisable faces and the first black woman to present ITV News at Ten, she has broken barriers in broadcasting while carrying this personal history.
Her willingness to share such vulnerable moments on national television has been praised by viewers and colleagues alike, opening important conversations about the complex nature of grief and the regrets that often accompany loss.
The emotional confession serves as a powerful reminder that even public figures grapple with deeply personal struggles, and that the process of mourning contains complexities that can last a lifetime.
