Holly Willougby has led tributes to ‘This Morning’ dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye, after she passed away aged 53 following a "sudden illness".
Holly Willoughby leads tributes to This Morning's Dr Uchenna Okoye
The 42-year-old TV presenter recalled how the contributor to the ITV1 daytime show “was very kind” to her, and Holly offered her deepest sympathies to Uchenna's loved ones.
She wrote on Instagram: "Unbelievably sad to hear of the passing of @druchennaokoye.
"We first worked together many moons ago with @oralb_uk, and she was very kind to me… and then of course again, giving her advice on @thismorning Sending all my love to her family."
Uchenna - who appeared in many other programmes, such as ‘10 Ways To Lose 10 Years’ and ‘Morning Live’ - passed away on Friday (15.09.23).
Her family wrote on Instagram: "We are heartbroken to announce that Dr Uchenna Okoye sadly passed away after a sudden illness on Friday 15th September 2023.
"We know many of you will be devastated and shocked to see this post.
"We ask for your prayers and some privacy at this difficult time. We will be in touch in the coming days. (sic)"
BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley, 58, added her shock at the “devastating news” about Uchenna, and sent her love to her widower Chidi Ngwaba and their seven-year-old daughter.
She wrote on social media: “Devastating news. Sending love to her daughter, family and London Smiling team. Strong, beautiful, funny Uchenna. Awful. Just awful.”
TV personality Cherry Healey, 42 - who worked with Uchenna on ‘Ten Years Younger’ on Channel 5 - remarked how “missed” she will be.
She said on Instagram: “There aren't really the right words to say how much this absolute force of a human being will be missed and how sad this news is.
“I was so fortunate to work with Dr Uchenna on @10yearsyounger for many happy years, and to then got to know her as a beautiful friend.
“She spoke with such passion and love for the people she helped smile again - and she was the warmest, smartest, most fun woman you could wish to meet. (sic)"
Tagged in Holly Willoughby Jo Whiley Cherry Healey