Holly Willoughby grows emotional as grieving viewer discusses her cat’s death

Holly Willoughby grew emotional on Wednesday’s episode of This Morning when a viewer rang in with news of the death of her cat. 

The TV host, 39, appeared visually touched by Geraldine’s story as she detailed the loss of her cat of 19 years, with the beloved pet put down in her home during lockdown while she also detailed not having any family. 

In 2016, Holly revealed one of her pedigree Ragdoll cats – Roxy – had passed away and her heartache was clear to see on Wednesday. 

The discussion came during the Dear Deirdre segment of the show, during which the caller regaled her heartbreaking tale – sparking emotion with Holly and viewers. 

Geraldine said: ‘My cat was put down on the 12th March, the vet came to the house and put him down in front of me. Nineteen years. I’m on my own, I don’t have any family, so I’m on my own. I’m 70 in two weeks time.’ 

Responding to the story, Holly said: ‘They’re a member of your family, they have been through everything with you. They’re by your side all the time, I totally get it… We’re a nation of pet lovers, I totally get it.’

In October 2016, Holly’s cat Roxy passed away. She was famously attached to her pet and even brought her live on This Morning for a live pet psychic reading in 2010.  

Viewers soon flooded Twitter to respond to Geraldine’s story, with viewers penning: ‘Awww that poor lady and her cat… So grateful to be watching ⁦@thismorning with my gorgeous Rimple. So sorry for Geraldine who lost her cat’. 

The emotional appearance comes a day after blasted a ‘stupid’ man for visiting his wife’s 74-year-old mother during the coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday.

An upset caller named Maggie called into the show to seek advice from Holly and Philip Schofield after her partner ‘put her mum’s life in danger’.

The Government has stressed the over-70s are in a very high risk category and they must avoid all social contact. The caller said: ‘I ordered a parcel for my mum. My partner is going in to work and he said he’d drop it off for her.

‘He got back yesterday and I understand that Mum invited him in.

‘He went in and sat in the lounge with her for half an hour. I’m so cross and upset that he’s put my mum’s life in danger. I might be overreacting.’