This Morning's Cat Deeley sparks concern as she fights tears to pay emotional tribute
Cat Deeley was moved to tears on today's episode of This Morning, as she joined Ben Shephard in mourning rugby ace Rob Burrow.
TM: Cat Deeley in tears after watching Rob Burrow tribute
Cat Deeley could scarcely blink back the tears as she paid tribute live on air to Rob Burrow, who tragically died of motor neurone disease last week. The This Morning star's voice quavered and she gasped to catch her breath, as she declared: "Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we'll ever go through."
The 47-year-old revealed that the talented rugby ace had been just 41 when he lost his life - six years younger than she is currently. Cat revealed that he'd "passed away peacefully", while her co-star Ben Shephard shared a video of "a very touching message from Rob", shared by his family after his death.
As Cat became emotional, it prompted her concerned co-star to quiz: "Are you alright?" Rob's death was announced just five years after he was first diagnosed with brutal MND (motor neurone disease).
Prior to learning he had the killer condition, he'd retired from a glittering 17-season rugby league career with almost 500 major appearances on the pitch. The tragic impact of a loved one deteriorating due to MND has also been covered on Coronation Street, with viewers seeing heartbreaking scenes of Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) struggle to swallow food and to talk as his health gradually went downhill.
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Paul even contemplated taking his own life due to the disease's impact - but now a high-profile case has resurfaced in real life - and Cat, like many viewers, was devastated.
The Prince of Wales has also paid tribute to Roy, calling the tragic Leeds Rhino star a "legend" and marvelling about his "huge heart".
In 2022, Rob made history when he became the first person ever to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story using a computer controlled by his eyes alone.
His appearance on air marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities - and Leeds Rhinos raved about the "inspirational" moment.
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"Rob never accepted that he couldn't do something. He just found his way of doing it better than anyone else," the club revealed in a statement.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the show, Cat called out former MP Rory Stewart for making a brutal comment which targeted the over-65s.
It happened while they discussed the forthcoming July election and whether the Conservative Party had a chance of turning the tables.
He had bluntly exclaimed: "With people over 65, there's eventually an end to them!", but Cat shot back: "Be very careful!"
