Kate Garraway has led tributes to Tony Morris following his tragic death.
The ‘Good Morning Britain’ star paid her respects to the ‘Granada Reports’ presenter after he lost his battle with kidney cancer aged 57 over the weekend, and the ITV programme aired a montage of the best moments from 17 years on the news broadcast.
Kate described him as "warm and brilliant" as the special clip aired.
On Monday evening (03.08.20), Tony’s ‘Granada Reports’ co-presenter Lucy Meacock said: "He was without doubt one of the most humble, kind and funny people I have ever met, and he would often make me laugh till my sides ached.
"I am so very, very sad and my heart goes out to his daughters Nat and Becky.
"A smile from Tony Morris always brightened everyone’s day and certainly brightened up the whole of the north west for 17 years."
Former ‘Coronation Street’ star Katie McGlynn was among those to pay tribute to Tony following the sad news.
With a red heart and sad face emoji alongside a photo of them together, she tweeted: "So sad to hear the tragic news of Tony Morris
"My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. What a legend @GranadaReports #RIPTonyMorris (sic)"
Ex ‘Hollyoaks’ star Jorgie Porter also commented as she revealed her family have been watching Tony’s regional news broadcasts in the north west for "as long as" she can remember.
She wrote on Twitter: "My mum and I have watched #TonyMorris as long as I can remember so much love to his family @GranadaReports
"Never realise much much you rely on familiar faces just being there x x (sic)"
Tony’s death at Bury Hospice over the weekend was confirmed by his daughters Natalie and Rebecca, who were by his side as he died.
They added in a statement: "You all know him as ‘the guy off the news’ – but we know him as our dad. He was always so proud to be an adopted northerner."