Gloria Hunniford is an legendary Northern Irish television and radio presenter, best known for her roles on Rip Off Britain, Loose Women, and The One Show. As of April 2026, the 85-year-old broadcaster remains one of the busiest figures in UK media, continuing her long-standing advocacy for consumer rights and cancer research. In early 2026, Gloria made headlines following a brief absence from television due to a serious but treatable diagnosis of profound anemia, caused by a throat ulcer. After receiving a three-pint blood transfusion and several weeks of rest, she has triumphantly returned to the Loose Women panel, reassuring fans that her “energy is returning” and her health is being closely monitored by her family and doctors.
Recent Health and 2026 Updates
In 2026, Gloria Hunniford’s health became a significant topic of public interest after her sudden disappearance from daytime television.
Severe Anemia and Hospitalization
In March 2026, Gloria was rushed to the hospital after feeling “drained of all life.” Doctors diagnosed her with profound anemia resulting from an ulcer in her throat that had caused silent internal blood loss. She underwent a successful procedure to treat the ulcer and received a life-saving blood transfusion, eventually returning to the screen in late March to share her story and thank the NHS staff who cared for her.
Managing Pre-Diabetes
In addition to her recent recovery, Gloria has been open about her 2025 pre-diabetes diagnosis. She manages the condition through a strict diet and a daily medication regimen, often using her platform on Loose Women to educate other seniors on the importance of regular blood sugar checks and recognizing “incidental findings” during routine GP visits.
The Legacy of Stephen Way (1998–2024)
The late 2024 passing of Gloria’s husband, celebrity hairdresser Stephen Way, marked a significant turning point in her personal life.
A 26-Year Partnership
Stephen and Gloria married in September 1998 at St Peter’s Church in Kent. He was frequently described as Gloria’s “rock,” especially following the tragic death of her daughter, Caron. Stephen passed away in August 2024 after a period of ill health, leaving a profound impact on Gloria, who has spent much of 2025 and 2026 adjusting to life without her partner of nearly three decades.
Weight Loss and Grief
During her return to television in late 2024 and early 2025, fans noted that Gloria appeared significantly smaller. She candidly explained that the “anxiety and worry” of Stephen’s illness, followed by the grieving process, had led to a natural loss of appetite, though she assured viewers in 2026 that her sons are “monitoring her every meal” to ensure she maintains her strength.
The Caron Keating Foundation
One of Gloria’s most important roles in 2026 is her continued administration of the Caron Keating Foundation, established in memory of her daughter who passed away from breast cancer in 2004.
Small Grant Strategy
Unlike many larger cancer charities, the foundation focuses on providing small but significant grants to grassroots organizations across the UK. In the 2025/2026 financial year, the foundation distributed over £190,000 to support everything from chemotherapy buses to hospice equipment and specialized counseling services.
Annual Strictly Tea Dance
The foundation’s flagship event, the Strictly Tea Dance, remains a staple of the social calendar in 2026. These events, often attended by Gloria’s Loose Women and Strictly Come Dancing colleagues, serve as the primary fundraising engine for the foundation, ensuring that “every penny donated is spent wisely” on direct patient care and support.
Career Highlights: A Trailblazer for Women
Gloria Hunniford’s career is a masterclass in longevity and versatility, spanning radio, television, and music.
Radio 2 Pioneer: In 1982, she became the first woman to host her own daily show on BBC Radio 2, a position she held for 13 years.
Rip Off Britain: Since 2009, Gloria has co-presented this BBC flagship consumer show alongside Angela Rippon and Julia Somerville, helping millions of viewers navigate scams and financial disputes.
The Masked Singer: In a surprise 2022 appearance, she was unmasked as the Snow Leopard, proving that her singing roots from the 1960s were still very much alive.
Practical Information and 2026 Schedule
For fans and researchers looking to engage with Gloria Hunniford’s work in 2026, the following details provide a scannable guide.
TV Appearances: Catch Gloria regularly on Loose Women (ITV) and the latest series of Rip Off Britain (BBC One).
Booking/Speaking: Represented by MN2S for brand work and public speaking engagements regarding media, health, and aging.
Support the Foundation: Donations to the Caron Keating Foundation can be made directly via their official website (caronkeating.org).
Books: Her autobiography, My Life, and her poignant accounts of Caron’s life, Next to You and Always with You, remain essential reading for understanding her journey.
FAQs
What illness does Gloria Hunniford have in 2026?
She was recently treated for severe anemia caused by a throat ulcer, though she is now in full recovery.
How old is Gloria Hunniford?
Born on April 10, 1940, Gloria is 85 years old as of early 2026.
Is Gloria Hunniford still on Loose Women?
Yes, she remains a regular panellist and is one of the most senior members of the ITV show’s cast.
Who was Gloria Hunniford’s husband?
Her husband was Stephen Way, who passed away in August 2024. Her first husband was Don Keating, the father of her three children.
Did Gloria Hunniford have a daughter who died?
Yes, her daughter Caron Keating, a well-known TV presenter, passed away from breast cancer in April 2004 at the age of 41.
What is the Caron Keating Foundation?
It is a family-run cancer charity that provides grants to small cancer support groups and hospices across the UK.
Where does Gloria Hunniford live?
She has long been based in Sevenoaks, Kent, where she lived with her late husband Stephen.
Is Gloria Hunniford still presenting Rip Off Britain?
Yes, she continues to film new series of Rip Off Britain in 2026 with her long-time colleagues Angela Rippon and Julia Somerville.
Has Gloria Hunniford retired?
No, Gloria has frequently stated she has no plans to retire, famously saying “I’ll keep going as long as the phone keeps ringing.”
What happened to Gloria Hunniford’s eye?
In 2022, Gloria suffered a serious fall at home that resulted in a broken bone under her eye; she has since fully recovered from the injury.
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