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Gloria Hunniford has opened up about her experiences of loss and grief as she lost her husband of 26 years last summer, two decades after the death of her beloved daughter Caron Keating, who tragically died from breast cancer in 2004 at just 41. Reflecting on the joyous moments she shared with them both, Gloria discussed how life continues amidst grief, her unwavering faith, and her focus on cherishing the wonderful memories they created together. Gloria provided care for her husband Stephen Way, whom she wed in 1998, during his "heroic fight" against illness. Sadly, he passed away last August. Speaking about the months following his passing, she shares, "You have to do a head job every so often, it's painful. You have to carve out a new type of life, don't you? It's quite hard really, at the beginning, and then slowly, slowly you sort of get into a different rhythm and a different situation. "Stephen and I had 30 years together. Some people never get 30 years of happiness, but I did, so as much as he is a huge loss, I am very grateful that I had that time with him. I was very lucky and have been very lucky in my life.", reports the Mirror . Gloria also feels fortunate to still reside in the home they shared. "I've lived in that house for 40 years, so I love coming home. We were talking on Loose Women about happy places and I was saying I have a few happy places but I'm lucky in that I'm very happy going home to my own house. We have a lovely time there, so it's full of memories." Asked if she senses Stephen's presence around the house, she pauses before responding. "I believe I will see Caron again and I believe I will see Stevie again," she says. "It's not that I go to church every Sunday, but I have a very strong faith, and in life, you either believe there is somewhere you go after you die, or there isn't. I choose to think there is." The Rip Off Britain presenter says thoughts of her family and friends who depend on her strengthen her resolve when facing her circumstances. "When Stephen was ill and he passed, you sort of think, 'Well, what is the alternative?' We have to get on with life for the family, the children, your grandchildren, your friends who need you." As an octogenarian, Gloria remains energetic and she credits her vitality to a strong work ethic, admitting that she disregards her children's well-intentioned suggestions to take things easier and relax at her French holiday home. "I like doing it all and I don't stop. And if you work hard, you play hard. I think it's down to my work ethic," she says. "The work ethic is really important. We were taught in Northern Ireland to work and therefore I've always worked all my life, and I've always wanted to work. "One of my sons says, 'Mum, why don't you go and stay in the family home in France? And I say, 'I don't want to!' I wouldn't change a thing because I worked my a**e off the whole time and I still work my a**e off. It will be 80 years next year in showbusiness because I started as a singer when I was still in the pram – well not quite, but almost. I love France and going on holidays, but I don't want to stay there." Regarding her wellbeing, Gloria understands the significance of maintaining good health . "I've always been very conscious of my health and I've always been a great advocate of healthy alternatives and used that alongside anything I need," she explains. "But I've been lucky enough that I've never needed any serious stuff. I have a dodgy left knee – nothing worrying." The television personality also cherishes her grandmother duties, describing it as "very healing" to witness her grandchildren developing both personally and professionally. "My grandchildren are lovely, getting older by the second," she remarks with warmth. "Charlie got married last year and I can't believe I've got a grandchild who's 30. It's very, very healing seeing the generations carry on, and because I do things and go to places they quite like, socially I keep up with them as well, which is really good." When asked about her late daughter Caron's thoughts on her son's marriage, Gloria shared, "She would have loved him. He's the loveliest boy. They are both lovely boys. Charlie is the eldest and Gabriel is a few years younger. They're doing well in their jobs and that's exciting. Caron would have loved her daughter-in-law. I love her like my own grandchild. She's a lovely girl." On the topic of potential great-grandchildren, Gloria remains discreet. "I don't know yet," she admits with a hint of coyness. "What do you say?" Gloria maintains a close relationship with her son-in-law Russ, Caron's husband. "I was speaking to him the other day. We have a close bond. Russ is a lovely man. Caron was lucky to have Russ, just as I have been to have had Stephen for 30 years." When questioned about the possibility of finding love again, Gloria responds, "It's not even in my head. It's too raw yet. It's only been just over a year," she reveals. "But I like having male friends who I've had for decades – I like talking to them." One such friend is Sir Cliff Richard. "He's a very lovely friend, a good friend and very loyal," she says warmly. "I've known him 55 years." For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
