04 August 2023 , 09:32
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Documentary maker Stacey Dooley has been left heartbroken after her TV friend has died aged 29. The presenter grew close to Jemma McGowan for an episode of Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over called Mum Fighting the Clock.
Sadly, Jemma passed away this week “peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family“. Following the news, Stacey paid tribute to Jemma on her social media. She shared a video of them dancing together. Stacey wrote: “Fly high darlin'. Thank you for being so kind and so so FUN. Thinking of her Clive and her gorgeous babies.”
Stacey also shared another post online in tribute to Jemma. She added: “Just heartbreaking. Jemma was a joy to work alongside and we continued our relationship as pals. Coincidentally, our film airs this evening where we reflect on our time spent with Jemma. She knew it was coming out in August and was keen to hear all about it. Fly high darlin.”
Stacey paid a loving tribute to her friend JemmaJemma, who lived in Omagh in Northern Ireland, had spoken about her friendship with Stacey after they filmed together. She wrote in February: “So , our secret is out. I made a new forever friend @sjdooley and we made a tv documentary together. It really was an emotional rollercoaster.” She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016 when she was six weeks pregnant with her second child.
After having surgery to remove the cancer, Jemma was told by doctors it wouldn't come back. Jemma had no further symptoms over the next four years. However, when she was pregnant with her third child Jemma discovered a lump at 36 weeks. She found it in January 2021 and was later diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.
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There will be a Service of Thanksgiving taking place on Sunday for Jemma. During the episode with Stacey, Jemma reveals what it is like to be diagnosed with cancer as a mum. Stacey discovers how those closest to her are dealing with her terminal diagnosis. Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over first started in 2019 and aims to portray what life is like in Britain today.
She does so by spending 72 hours in the company of a wide range of extraordinary characters and families. There has been three series of the show, with Jemma's episode being the latest one to air. It appeared on screens for the first time in April 2022. Stacey's fans have been sharing their own tributes to Jemma after hearing of the sad news.
One said: "So sad, been following her since your documentary." Another added: "Oh no, that’s so sad. I watched the episode & she seemed such a good person and an amazing mum," whilst someone else wrote: "aw gutted reading this. watched the episodes and she seemed magical." "Heartbreaking news - Iv followed her since watching her on your show! What a truly inspirational woman who fought bravely, life is cruel! RIP Jemma xxx," commented another.