Gloria Hunniford's Drastic Weight Loss After Husband's Passing
Broadcasting icon Gloria Hunniford has openly shared that her weight dramatically fell to just over seven stone in the months after her husband Stephen Way passed away in August 2024. The 85-year-old television presenter, who had been married to the hairdresser since 1998, disclosed this personal struggle during a recent episode of ITV's Loose Women.
Unnoticed Weight Drop During Husband's Illness
Hunniford explained that the weight loss occurred gradually while she was caring for her husband during his lengthy battle with cancer, including prostate cancer. She described a relentless routine of hospital visits, saying, "I'd get up in the morning, get ready, go to the hospital, get there for half 11 or 12 and get back home again by seven o'clock." This exhausting schedule left her with little energy or appetite for proper meals.
Without realising it, Hunniford's weight dropped to seven stone two pounds, which was the same weight she had been at age 17. She admitted, "By the time I realised, even with clothes, I didn't realise that I'd lost so much weight." Her focus remained entirely on her husband's wellbeing during his illness.
Medical Intervention and Recovery
After her husband's funeral, where friends noted her noticeably thin appearance, Hunniford consulted a doctor who issued a stark warning. The medical professional explained that significant physical changes can occur about four months after a bereavement, including hair thinning and weight loss.
The doctor emphasized that at Hunniford's age, maintaining adequate weight is crucial for health and survival. She was given carte blanche to eat whatever she wanted to regain weight, including sandwiches, cakes, buns, and biscuits. Hunniford followed this advice, and while the weight eventually returned, she described looking back at photographs from that period as "ghastly."
Public Discussion and Empathy
Hunniford made these revelations while appearing on Loose Women alongside anchor Christine Lampard, former EastEnders actress Nadia Sawalha, and Coleen Nolan. The panel was discussing the public scrutiny faced by Kelly Osbourne regarding her appearance after her father Ozzy's health issues.
The broadcasting veteran expressed gratitude for the understanding shown by others, noting that people had approached her after the funeral to express concern about her thin appearance while demonstrating empathy for her situation. Her story highlights the profound physical impact that grief and caregiving can have, even on public figures who appear resilient.
