Loose Women’s Gloria Hunniford's heartbreaking way of coping with first Christmas without husband
Gloria Hunniford is bringing some festive sparkle to her home, describing it as like "Blackpool Illuminations" as she faces her first Christmas without her husband, Stephen Way. The Loose Women panelist took a recent break following the loss of her partner of more than two decades in August after a prolonged illness.
She shared with Best magazine that turning on the Christmas lights has brought her a little "sense of cheer" amidst her sorrow. Her words were: "My house is already like Blackpool Illuminations. There is a gardener at Hever Castle called Michael, who came round to help me. It's all done and up. " And added, "I'm glad that I did it. I'm the first in the road to do it."
The 84 year old TV personality also reminisced about creating a joyous holiday season since the time her daughter Caron Keating, a former Blue Peter presenter, passed away from breast cancer in 2004 at the age of 41. She even mentioned a year they had “six trees” in the house.
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Her son Michael Keating is setting up "three days of celebrating" to bring the family together, including Caron’s children, Gabriel and Charlie. Reflecting on past holidays, Gloria observed: "Thirty Christmases with Stevie."
Despite the heartache, she takes comfort in her family’s company: "He always stayed with me. You can imagine what a difference it will be but my son Michael has organised three days of celebrating, and both of Caron's boys will be with me - when a door closes, a window opens. I saw them being born. Caron asked me - that is very special."
Gloria stressed the importance of family connections, sharing a touching memory: "He always stayed with me. You can imagine what a difference it will be but my son Michael has organised three days of celebrating, and both of Caron's boys will be with me - when a door closes, a window opens. I saw them being born. Caron asked me - that is very special."
She expressed how life goes on even after loss, recalling the "joyous" occasion of Charlie's wedding just ten days post her husband's passing. Gloria said: "I was determined it would be a joyous day. I loved that day, so that is a lesson. I must remember I can go to events and be happy."
The couple had been married since 1998, and Gloria previously expressed how Stephen's passing had left a significant void in her life and that of their family. She shared: "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 remembered him fondly, saying: "He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end."
Gloria cherished the memories of their 25-year marriage, stating: "We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish. "She expressed her deep sadness, saying: "It's a great shock and words cannot express my sadness at this time." Gloria concluded by saying: "A bright shining light has dimmed, and he shall be missed at every turn."
