Lorraine Kelly paid tribute to Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte on her ITV show, describing news of his death at the age of 34 as a "huge shock".
The Scottish broadcaster spoke about the actor's part in the acclaimed drama series as she joined showbiz correspondent Ross King to discuss the tributes being shared in his memory.
RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr, died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, his representatives confirmed in a statement to media organisations, reports the Mirror.
Lorraine's on-air tribute
Speaking on her ITV morning programme this morning (Tuesday, October 13), Lorraine said: "Now, very sad news for fans of Breaking Bad this morning. The actor RJ Mitte has very sadly died, he was only 34 years old. Ross is back for us now, as you would imagine, Ross, loads of tributes coming in for this fine fella."
She continued: "I mean, Breaking Bad is one of the most incredible series that's ever been made, and he was such a huge part of it, playing Walter White's son, and he was so good in the role. This has come as a huge shock to everyone, hasn't it?"
After news of the star's death, Lorraine later added: "That is such a shame because you know, you can see he was doing interviews a couple of days ago." She continued: "He seemed in good spirits. We say this all the time, you never know what is going on in people's lives. It's just really, really sad."
Disability rights work and tributes
Discussing RJ Mitte's disability rights work, Ross said: "His representatives have confirmed that very sadly he died by suicide just 34, no age at all.
"As you know, and people who watched the series know, he had cerebral palsy, but he used his platform for disability rights, as an advocate, and created his own foundation as well."
Ross also spoke about a heartbreaking tribute from Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte's onscreen father. He said Cranston had shared a photograph of the pair and that he was in "deep despair".
Ross, then himself, added the news was "so sad", as he continued: "And gone at just 34... And a great actor, a really good actor."
In their statement issued on Monday, RJ Mitte's representatives said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte."
Lorraine can also be streamed on ITVX.
