‘This Morning’ dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye dead aged 53 after ‘sudden illness’: ‘Her sparkle touched everyone she met’

18 September 2023

‘This Morning’ dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye has died aged 53.

‘This Morning’ dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye has died aged 53

The popular medical expert – also famed for appearing on Channel 5’s makeover show ‘10 Years Younger in 10 Days’ – passed away following a “sudden illness” on Friday (15.09.23), her family said.

They added in a statement posted on Instagram: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of the much loved and respected Cosmetic Dentist, Dr Uchenna Okoye, who passed away after falling ill at home on Friday 15th September 2023.

“At this time, we ask for your prayers for her young daughter, her family, her team of staff at London Smiling Dental Group and her friends who are all struggling to come to terms with her loss.

“We request that you respect Uchenna’s family’s wishes for privacy at this very difficult time.

“The Uchenna sparkle touched the lives of everyone she met and drew her into stardom on 10 Years Younger makeover show, followed by ‘10 Years Younger in 10 Days’ where her passion and compassion leaps off the screen.

“For the last twenty years, her deep knowledge of dentistry and her incredible chair-side manner made her the go-to spokeswoman for any dental issue and a popular contributor to radio, TV, and women’s consumer press.”

Dr Uchenna qualified at Guy's Hospital in London and went on to specialise in cosmetic dentistry.

She was one of the few leading dentists in her field to be a member of both the American and British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr Uchenna was also an honorary clinician at St George’s Hospital, London, and sat on the board of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry.

She is survived by her daughter.

Days before news of her death was announced, ‘This Morning’ hosts Holly Willoughby, 42, and Dermot O’Leary, 50, led the tributes to guest Matty Lock after he suddenly died aged 19.

The pair said the teenager – who made regularly appearances on the ITV show to review vacuum cleaners after he became obsessed with them since getting his first toy Henry Hoover aged two – said he was a “truly unique” and “lovely” part of the studio.