Charlotte Hawkins fights back tears as she pays tribute to Bill Turnbull: ‘I’m going to get upset now’
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
Hetflix
video
Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins became emotional as she remembered the late Bill Turnbull.
The beloved former BBC Breakfast host died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in September at the age of 66 after a battle with prostate cancer.
Since his diagnosis in 2017, the TV presenter campaigned and raised awareness about the disease, including detailing his treatment in a Channel 4 documentary called Staying Alive.
The Classic FM host appeared alongside Charlotte on GMB on several occasions, with the 47-year-old paying a heartfelt tribute to him on Thursday’s Loose Women.
The former Strictly star opened up about a challenge she is taking part in to raise money for charity Prostate Cancer UK in his memory.
Charlotte told the daytime show’s panelists, which included Carol McGiffin and Nadia Sawalha, that she would be running the distance of a marathon, 26.2 miles, over the course of January.
She confessed: ‘I am not a runner at all. You know, I hate running, usually. But I thought this is this is 26.2 miles over the course of the month.
‘I’ve done 14 miles [so far] , so I’ve got 12.2 miles to go. As long as I keep it up, think I’ll be alright. ‘
When asked if the run was to keep Turnbull’s ‘memory alive’, an emotional Charlotte replied: ‘He was he was such a special person. He was lovely to work alongside.
He was a brilliant broadcaster. He was a generous presenter to work with; he knew his stuff inside out. But he was just such a gentleman and had such a funny, caring side at the same time. You know, he was mischievous.
‘I did Pet Classics, which is a show where we play calming music for pets when the fireworks are going off, and it was Bill’s show and it’s always been Bill’s show.
‘He wasn’t well enough to do it one year, so they asked me to cover and I sent him an email, saying: “I’m just borrowing your show from you – have it back when you’re well enough.”‘
Faltering, and fighting back tears, Charlotte continued: ‘Oh, I’m going to get upset now. But anyway, we lost him and he, he wasn’t able to come back and it’s just so sad.
‘I know he would want me to continue to spread this important message.’
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
