18 September 2023 , 19:40
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Holly Willoughby has paid tribute to Dr Uchenna Okoye following the This Morning contributer's sudden death at the age of 53.
Dr. Uchenna Okoye passed away on Friday after a sudden illness. The late star, who often appeared on ITV show This Morning and 10 Years Younger in 10 Days, is survived by her daughter. The news of the doctor's death was confirmed via her Instagram account, with her loved ones sharing a picture of Dr. Uchenna and breaking the sad news.
Taking to Instagram this evening, This Morning presenter paid tribute to her late co-star as she shared the original post from Dr. Uchenna's loved ones. Writing on her Instagram Stories, Holly told her followers: "Unbelievably sad to hear of the passing of @druchennaokoye. We first worked together many moons ago with @oralb_uk and she was very kind to me… and then of course again, giving her advice on @thismorning Sending all my love to her family."
Dr Uchenna's death was announced on Instagram earlier this evening, with the late medical expert's loved ones penning: "We are heartbroken to announce that Dr Uchenna Okoye sadly passed away after a sudden illness on Friday 15th September 2023. We know many of you will be devastated and shocked to see this post. We ask for your prayers and some privacy at this difficult time. We will be in touch in the coming days."
Dr Uchenna Okoye died after a sudden illness
Tributes have been pouring in for the This Morning starTV presenter Donna Air was one of the first to comment on the heartbreaking post, writing: "What ?! No, I’m so confused . How, why .. her daughter!! shocked and saddened." BBC radio star Jo Whiley added: "Devastating news. Sending love to her daughter, family and London Smiling team. Strong, beautiful, funny Uchenna. Awful. Just awful."
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Mourning the star's death, one fan wrote: "Our wonderful Uchenna - it’s so sad. Vibrancy, kindness, generosity and love were in her soul and those of us who knew her adored her and her beautiful daughter. Condolences to Uchenna’s loving family." Another added: "Beautiful Uchenna! An industry beacon who quickly became a friend to many of us. So warm, generous and funny. Sending condolences to her family and friends."
Following the news of Dr Uchenna's death being announced, the late star's representatives told Sky News the mother-of-one was taken ill at home. In a statement, they added: "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."
The late mum-of-one was known for her appearance on This Morning, 10 Years Younger, which started on Channel 4, and its spin-off show 10 Years Younger In 10 Days on Channel 5. Away from her TV work, Dr Uchenna ran two London dental practices and had her own range of dental products.