Stephen Way, the husband of television presenter Gloria Hunniford, has died aged 85.
In a statement, his family said: “It is with huge sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the passing of Stephen Way, Gloria’s beloved husband, who lost his battle yesterday afternoon. Stephen had been heroically fighting his illness… but always with great tenacity and a positive spirit.”
Hunniford (84) said: “Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life, but our entire family. He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end. We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish.”
Stephen Way was described as a “wonderful husband, father and grandfather” and Gloria added: “It’s a great shock and words cannot express my sadness at this time. A bright shining light has dimmed, and he shall be missed at every turn.”
Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way arriving for the ITV Palooza held at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London November 12, 2019. Photo credit: Ian West/PA Wire
Last September, Gloria and Stephen celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by making an emotional trip back to where they got married on September 6, 1998.
The couple were wed at St Peter’s Church in Hever in Kent, followed by celebrations at Hever Castle.
Gloria’s late daughter, Caron Keating, is also buried in the graveyard at the church, and the family gathered there on April 13 this year to mark the 20th anniversary of her death.
Speaking to Hello! Magazine upon returning to their wedding location, Gloria gave some tips on the secret to a happy marriage.
She noted that “love, laughter and good conversation” is key, adding: “Of course, there is physical attraction, but our relationship is full of kindness and humour. We enjoy talking to each other. Talk, talk, talk – that is a wonderful thing.”
The couple’s wedding, which was also covered by Hello! at the time, was attended by many famous faces, among them Sir Cliff Richard, Esther Rantzen, Anthea Turner and Barbara Windsor.
Gloria Hunniford and Stephen Way attend a memorial service for the late Sir Terry Wogan at Westminster Abbey on September 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
“My close friend Cliff did a reading, and James Galway, the world-famous musician, who comes from Northern Ireland like myself, played the flute, alongside his wife Jeanne,” Gloria continued.
“The vicar, the Rev. Canon Roger Royle, said: ‘You know it’s a very classy wedding when the cabaret is James Galway and Cliff Richard.’”
Last May, Stephen – who is Gloria’s second husband – had been left partially blind after suffering a second stroke.
Gloria also suffered a health scare last year, when she was rushed to hospital with life-threatening sepsis of the kidney.
After the ordeal, in an interview she showered Stephen with praise for helping her recover thanks to his cooking.
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News Catch Up: Wednesday 14 August