Gloria Hunniford made an epic return to ITV’s Loose Women after stepping away from the popular programme due to the passing of her husband Stephen Wray back in August

Loose Women star Gloria Hunniford has addressed her recent weight loss, as she made a return to the popular ITV show.

The 84-year-old made an epic comeback to the celebrity panel on Monday (October 7) following a hiatus due to the passing of her husband, Stephen Way. In August it was announced Gloria had become a widow after her husband Stephen lost his battle after suffering with a lengthy illness.

Talking to Charlene White, Olivia Attwood and Denise Welch, Gloria provided her co-stars with insight with how she’s currently doing. This then led Charlene to add that Gloria is now “smaller” than she was when she was last on the show.

Charlene said: “Obviously grief presents itself in different ways and I it can do so physically as well. Before anyone starts, you know, worrying that you’re unwell and that you’re smaller than you were when you were here last time, can you clear that up?”

Gloria Hunniford made a return to Loose Women(Image: ITV)

Joking that she was always the shortest in the Loose Women clang, Gloria then said: “The thing is that, obviously when your partner’s ill, like the anxiety and the worry and all of that. Of course I’ve lost weight because you don’t eat properly, you’re always thinking of the other person.

“But I am fine, thank you very much indeed and my two sons when they come to visit they always watch what I eat.” She added: “But I am fine!”

Gloria then went on to thank her co-stars and everyone working on Loose Women. Fans watching at home also shared kind words as Gloria made her return.

Gloria was branded ‘beautiful’ by fans

One viewer said: “Dear #Gloria I’m so so sorry to learn of your recent bereavement. God bless you, and glad you have your #loosewomen family who love you. #thinking of you.”

Another penned: “Oh God love Gloria Hunniford, beautiful woman. Saluted. Xx.” A third also wrote: “Sadly how losing her husband has taken its toll on Gloria, bless her… she’s lost a lot of weight.”

Stephen Way sadly passed away following a lengthy illness(Image: PA)

Back in August, Stephen’s family released a statement announcing his death. The statement read: “It is with huge sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the passing of Stephen Way, Gloria’s beloved husband, who lost his battle yesterday afternoon. Stephen had been heroically fighting his illness… but always with great tenacity and a positive spirit.”

Gloria also said: “Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life, but our entire family. He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end. We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish.”