Loose Women star Charlene White has announced the death of her close friend who she calls her brother, as she shared a series of photos of the pair together with a message

Loose Women star ‘heart broken into a million pieces’ as brother deis(Image: ITV)

TV star Charlene White has shared a heartfelt tribute to her dear friend following his passing, in a heartbreaking post.

The Loose Women presenter, 44, posted pictures of herself alongside her friend Darrell, who she calls her brother, on social media. Charlene said her heart is “broken into a million pieces” as she announced Darrell, also known as DJ Optic, passed away after a Sarcoma cancer diagnosis. A sarcoma is a rare type of malignant (cancerous) tumour that develops in bone and connective tissue, such as fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and the tissue that surrounds bones and joints.

Charlene penned: “There will be many of you who will aware of me talking about one of my oldest and best friends Darrell @djoptic and his mission to beat the enemy which is Sarcoma cancer. In the early hours of Saturday morning, four and a half years after he was diagnosed, after a week of saying goodbyes to those he loved, sharing stories and banter, he took his final breath surrounded by his wonderful wife @mrsamymcdonald and children Maya and Theo.”

Charlene has announced the death of her close friend Darrell, who she has said was a brother to her(Image: Instagram)

Darrell passed away after a Sarcoma cancer diagnosis(Image: Instagram)

The TV personality went on to say: “He has been my brother since we met at 16 years old, I was the best man at his wedding, and god-mother to his eldest. The nonsense our little crew would get up to was hilarious back in the day, he was there for every milestone. My heart is broken into a million pieces.”

“He was by far one of the kindest men I’ve ever met, and throughout his treatment he made it his mission to shine a light on Sarcoma alongside @sarcoma_uk in the hope no other family had to go through what he and his family went through: raising awareness, raising money, educating doctors. He was quite simply, amazing.”

Charlene commended her close pal’s wife Amy and also mentioned she’d be returning to work as she “didn’t know what else to do.” Charlene concluded her message by saying: “Grief can sometimes just make you feel a little lost. Message your besties and let them know how much they are loved.”Her Loose Women colleague, Ruth Langsford, responded with: “I’m so sorry Charlene. Grief is sadly the price we pay for loss. You know you will be held and supported by everyone @loosewomen My condolences to Darrell’s family and sending you a massive hug.” Coleen Nolan, who’s sister Linda Nolan recently passed away, also expressed her condolences, stating: “So deeply sorry Charlene for the loss of your friend… thinking of you and sending a big hug.” Katie Piper also sent her support, simply saying: “Sending you love.”