Sunderland-born ITV This Morning’s Denise Robertson has died aged 83.
The This Morning agony aunt died following her short battle with pancreatic cancer.
This Morning confirmed her death on social media this morning.
Such sad news- our friend and colleague Denise Robertson has lost her short but determined battle against cancer. Full tribute at 10.30.
— This Morning (@itvthismorning) April 1, 2016
In mid-February Ms Robertson issued a statement announcing her absence from the show.
This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford read a message from her, explaining that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The statement said: “I’m sorry I’ve not been around for a couple of weeks but a persistent health issue has turned into something quite a lot bigger. I’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“It has come as a surprise to me and my family but we know that many others have suffered and dealt with this condition and I don’t plan to give up without a fight.
“My doctor is referring me for chemotherapy and hopefully that will start soon.
“I’d like to thank all the lovely viewers of This Morning who have been concerned about my health recently and I hope I’ll be back on the sofa soon.”
Ms Robertson, from Sunderland, joined This Morning for its first broadcast in 1988.
She also had her own advice website and wrote a column for Candis magazine.
Robertson lost her first husband Alex to lung cancer in 1972.
In 2006, her stepson, John, also died of cancer at the age of 44.
Ms Robertson was also patron of Sunderland Carers Centre based at Thompson Park, Southwick.
A spokesperson from Sunderland Carers Centre said: “Everyone at Sunderland Carers’ Centre is saddened to hear the news of the death of our patron, supporter and friend Denise Robertson.”
Graham Burt, Chief Executive Officer added: “Denise was our patron for the last 20 years and has been a wonderful ambassador in raising the profile of carers in Sunderland, particularly young carers having inspired them to write their Rainbows and Rollercoasters book and recently helping us promote our Young Carers Challenge campaign.
“Her family are in our thoughts at this sad time.”
Phillip Schofield, one of her colleagues on This Morning has also paid tribute to the TV star.
I’m heartbroken at the passing of our @itvthismorning icon Denise Robertson. Kind, thoughtful, caring & wonderful 😢 pic.twitter.com/M6RV4NSgvh
— Phillip Schofield (@Schofe) April 1, 2016