Gloria Hunniford's love life from ex-husband heartbreak to famous other half

03 January 2024 , 10:05

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Gloria Hunniford and husband Stephen Way have been married for 25 years (Image: PA)

Gloria Hunniford is happily married to her famous hairdresser husband of 25 years, but has experienced much heartbreak over the years.

The 83-year-old Northern Irish presenter has been a familiar face on our screens for over five decades, appearing on Loose Women, Rip Off Britain, and This Morning. Away from TV and radio, Gloria has led a whirlwind life with some notable relationships and devastating deaths.

She was in a long marriage with big TV producer and director, Don Keating, who she fell deeply in love with while working at UTV. Sadly, after 21 years and three children together - Caron, Paul and Michael - the couple's relationship broke down and they divorced in 1992.

Gloria tragically lost her ex-husband Don Keating in 1997 and daughter Caron seven years later (Cliff Kent/REX/Shutterstock)

Gloria and Stephen tied the knot in 1998 and say the secret to their marriage is 'love, laughter and good conversation' (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Mam)

The pair remained amicable for their kids, but five years later, Don suddenly died aged just 62. Gloria found out about her ex-husband's death when she came off the set of a live broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland. Recalling her family's pain years later, she told the Daily Mail in 2003: "Don's death was terrible because it was so fast, so sudden.

"You always want the quick fix for your children. When they're small and they hurt themselves you're so used to saying: 'There, there, I'll kiss it better.'' But when your children are older and they are faced with grief it's very hard. Your natural instinct as a parent is to take on their pain, take away their hurt. But unfortunately it gets to the stage where you can't and that's a hard lesson to learn."

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Gloria's eldest daughter, Caron, tragically died seven years later. The 41-year-old, who had followed in her mum's footsteps to become a TV presenter, was diagnosed with breast cancer after having two sons, Charlie and Gabriel. In 2022, Gloria marked her late daughter's 60th birthday with a party. Speaking to the Mirror, she said: "It was a lovely day full of every kind of feeling that you can imagine. She would have loved it."

In 1998, Gloria tied the knot with celebrity hairdresser Stephen Way at St Peter's Church in Kent, and continued the celebrations at the majestic Hever Castle. Last year, the couple returned to the same spot to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. She told Hello Magazine that her memories of that special day are as vivid as ever, and the secret to their happy marriage is "love, laughter and good conversation".

"I can remember walking into the church, filled with family and friends, and the candles all lit - it was wonderful. We've often said we would love to live it all over again," she said. "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."

Nia Dalton