Presenters on ITV's Good Morning Britain paid heartfelt tribute on Tuesday, 23 December, following the "very sad" announcement of the death of legendary singer Chris Rea.
GMB's Emotional Announcement
Entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold opened his segment with the sombre news, confirming that the Driving Home for Christmas singer had passed away at the age of 74. The news had been made public the previous day.
Hosts Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins joined Richard in remembering the musician. "There's a lot of love for Chris Rea," Ed stated, with Richard responding that tributes were pouring in at this "poignant time of the year."
A Family's Statement and Final Social Media Post
Rea's family released a statement saying, "It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family."
Richard highlighted that just days before his death, Rea had posted a nostalgic image on his Instagram. The picture showed a snowy motorway and a roadsign bearing the lyric 'Top to toe in tailbacks' from his iconic festive hit.
"He also revealed that he was ironically banned from driving when he wrote that song," Richard added, referencing a report from the previous week.
Tributes from Friends and Fans
The segment included a touching tribute from television personality Timmy Mallett, who purchased Rea's former home in 1991. Posting on X, Mallett wrote: "Chris is driving home for Christmas now singing for our nearest and dearest."
He noted that a Christmas message sprayed on the garage wall by Rea's daughters remains in the house, adding, "Grateful for his wonderful gravelly voice. God bless you Chris."
Richard concluded the tribute by extending the programme's sympathies, saying: "Our thoughts of course are with his wife Joan and two children at this very sad time."
Chris Rea, renowned for hits like On The Beach and Josephine, leaves behind a musical legacy that will be felt especially powerfully every Christmas season. Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
