This Morning's Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley open show with emotional tribute to co-star Michael Mosley
This Morning opened with a heartfelt homage to Dr Michael Mosley today, 10 June. The TV star, a frequent guest on the ITV show, tragically passed away this week while vacationing on the Greek island of Symi. His body was discovered a short distance from Agia Marina's beach and resort.
The circumstances of Michael's death remain unclear, but it's speculated that he may have succumbed to the intense 40-degree heat or suffered a fall on the rugged landscape.
His wife, Claire Bailey Mosley, said the 67-year-old, who went missing after leaving his wife and friends at Agios Nikolaos beach on Wednesday 5 June, appeared to have undertaken an “incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn’t be easily seen” by emergency search teams.
Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley led the tributes to Michael on This Morning today, joined by his past colleagues. Ben said: "Clearly from all our viewers and their messages as well, he will be sorely missed. We've very fond of the memories we share [with him]," before turning the conversation over to Gyles Brandreth.
Gyles reminisced about Michael, noting: "He had an impact on millions of people. Even when I broke my arm a couple of years ago, he said to me you've reached that age when you're starting to fall over. He told me when I brush my teeth, stand on one leg, and I do it every morning and every night. He was a remarkable person and a great sense of humour too", reports the Mirror.
Michael's wife, Claire, also shared a poignant tribute to her husband, who was a regular on the show and renowned for his television programmes as well as his expert contributions to the ITV mid-morning programme.
In a heartfelt statement, Clare, his wife shared: "I don't know quite where to begin with this. It's devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband. We had an incredibly lucky life together. We loved each other very much and were so happy together. I am incredibly proud of our children, their resilience and support over the past days."
She added: "My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world. It's clear that Michael meant a huge amount to so many of you. We're taking comfort in the fact that he so very nearly made it. He did an incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn't be easily seen by the extensive search team."
Expressing gratitude, Clare added: "Michael was an adventurous man, it's part of what made him so special. We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi who have worked tirelessly to help find him. Some of these people on the island, who hadn't even heard of Michael, worked from dawn till dusk unasked.
"We're also very grateful to The Press who have dealt with us with great respect. I feel so lucky to have our children and my amazing friends. Most of all, I feel so lucky to have had this life with Michael. Thank you all."
