Loose Women panellist Gloria Hunniford has shared an emotional update two years after the loss of her husband, Stephen Way. The veteran broadcaster, now 86, says her career and social life keep her engaged and give her purpose.
Life after Stephen
Hunniford was married to businessman Stephen Way for 25 years. He died in August 2024 at the age of 84 after a lengthy illness. Following his death, she said: “Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life, but our entire family.”
She added: “He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end. We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish.”
Staying busy and focused
The Northern Irish presenter will appear on Celebrity Hunted tonight (August 18), where she “provides a safe haven for two fugitives in need”. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, she said her work allows her to be stimulated, meet new people and learn something new every day.
She said her friends are “hugely important” and she values the balance between her job and social life. “Friends have become even more important since I lost my husband. If I didn’t have my work, my friends and my family, what else would I do?” she said.
“They give me purpose. They keep me interested, they keep me engaged with life, and I think that’s incredibly important. As long as I’m enjoying it, still learning and still able to contribute, I can’t see any reason to stop.”
A career of six decades
Hunniford has worked in television and radio for six decades and remains a regular on Loose Women. She has presented shows including Rip Off Britain, had her own BBC Radio 2 show, and was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 21 years ago.
Born in Portadown, County Armagh, she was granted the Freedom of the City of London earlier this year. The honour was awarded at Guildhall for her “outstanding contribution to entertainment and campaigning work as a breast cancer charity ambassador”.
Hunniford lost her daughter Caron Keating to breast cancer in 2004 and set up the Caron Keating Foundation in her memory. After the ceremony in May, she said: “Some of my most treasured moments in broadcasting have taken place in this city, so I am delighted and humbled to have received the Freedom of the City of London.”
Actor Ray Winstone and former boxer Frank Bruno are other recent recipients. Celebrity Hunted airs on Channel 4 on Tuesday August 18 at 9pm.
