BBC Breakfast host Nina Warhurst shares heartbreaking update after tragic loss

BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has shared her sorrow as she commemorated the passing of her father Chris following the family funeral. Earlier this month, she disclosed the heartbreaking news her dad had passed away in a care home on 2 July after a struggle with dementia.

The 44-year-old mother-of-three took to Instagram to acknowledge the poignant day with a series of photos featuring her family and friends as they paid tribute to his life online.

Her younger relatives and children were pictured donning full Manchester United football kits, while the rest of the family sported black attire with splashes of red to honour her father’s favourite football team. She also posted a photo of her father’s celebration of life pamphlet, which featured a charming picture of him laughing heartily.

Nina Warhurst on BBC Breakfast
BBC News presenter Nina Warhurst has issued an emotional statement(Image: BBC)

Alongside the collection of photos from the emotional day, Nina penned a heartfelt caption dedicated to her late father online. She wrote: “Ah Dad. You’d have been embarrassed at all the attention. But you’d have loved the kids in the football strips.

“You’d have loved the effort people made to come from far and wide. You’d have loved that everyone called you a gentleman, and everyone had a funny story. You’d have loved that your best pal who’s a [Manchester] City fan wore a [Manchester] United scarf,” reports the Express.

Nina Warhurst holding her father's hand
The broadcaster’s father sadly died on July 2

“You’d have loved that we packed out your old local and then celebrated you into the night. You’d have loved the buffet. You’d have loved that all your kids remembered your most important life lesson – ‘Before you complain, count your blessings’. You’d love that I used to think this was a simple approach to life – but now I realise its strength and practice.

“As does your second lesson – ‘Find the funny’. Even in death we laughed and laughed. I hope you knew how much we learned from you. I hope you knew we recognised the importance of love that is quiet and gentle and constant.”

Nina, 44, shared a touching tribute to her late dad
Nina paid tribute to her late father Chris.

She wrapped up her heartfelt message: “We missed you that day – how could you be the one person missing? …. but you are vivid to us every day. I hope you know you will never die, because you are part of us forever. I know it.”

It wasn’t long before her friends and devoted followers rushed to the comments section to offer their condolences online.

Stacey Dooley and Helen Skelton both posted a string of love heart emojis whilst her former BBC Breakfast co-presenter Jon Kay wrote: “Beautiful, Nina. You did him proud. As ever [heart emoji].”

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One follower commented: “What a lovely tribute Nina. Sending you and your family lots of love” whilst another added: “We always said my Dad would have loved his wake. We even had a sing song during the service which was amazing.”