Holly Willoughby has led tributes to This Morning medical expert Dr Uchenna Okoye, who passed away aged just 53.

Uchenna's family shared the tragic news of her passing, as they announced that she fell ill on Friday September 15 and died shortly after.

This Morning presenter Holly, 42, has since shared a tribute to her late colleague on her Instagram Story, sharing a photo of the Cosmetic Dentist.

Adding text to the photo, Holly wrote: "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."

This Morning beauty expert Sarah Jossel also paid tribute to Uchenna, writing: "This is so devastating to hear. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. What a huge huge loss. She will be missed by so many."

And celebrity make-up artist Hannah Martin said: "Devastating news. My love and prayers to her family. We will all miss your infectious energy and warmth."

Uchenna's tragic passing was announced by her family on Instagram, in a statement, which read: ""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."

This is the third tragedy that has hit the This Morning team in recent weeks, with actress and writer Maddy Anholt, who had made numerous appearances on the ITV show, passing away aged 35 just one year after welcoming her daughter.

Her shocking death was preceded by Matty Lock's, a This Morning guest who passed away at the young of 19.

Holly and her co-host Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to Matty during an episode of the morning show.

Dermot said: "We've got some heartbreaking and horrible news to share with you this morning. One of the This Morning family members, Matty Lock, passed away this weekend.”

Holly continued by recalling the “joy” he brought to everyone who worked on This Morning as she said: "He was a much loved member of This Morning family and never failed to bring joy to our studio, with an infectious passion for technology and gadgets, which was truly unique."

"We send our deepest condolences to his family," Holly added as they remembered Matty's passion for gadgets.

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