BBC Morning Live Returns as Gethin Jones Shares Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Father

BBC Breakfast welcomed back Jon Kay and Sally Nugent this morning after their summer break, and it wasn’t just them returning to screens. Morning Live is also back after a few months away, and Jon couldn’t resist teasing hosts Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones about their comeback.

“We have a true sign now that summer is over,” Jon joked. “Morning Live is back!” “It’s good to see you,” replied Gethin, with Helen adding teasers for what was coming up on their programme, including appearances from Ben Fogle and Dr Punam Krishnan. Jon kept up the playful mood, adding: “Helen and Gethin, back from their gap year with Morning Live in an hour’s time”, reported the Express.

Helen and Gethin had stepped away in July, telling viewers they’d be “taking a break for a few weeks,” which is the usual summer routine. Their return, though, comes after a difficult few weeks for Gethin, who sadly lost his dad in August.

He shared the news in a moving post online, accompanied by a final photo with his father in hospital. Quoting Max Boyce, he wrote: “Wales defeated England.. Hymns and Arias with dad last night, before he left us this morning. The most perfect, peaceful end. Welsh hymns playing, and the grandsons on speaker phone saying goodbye”, reported Wales Online.

Gethin described how his dad had been ill for some time but kept his humour and faith until the very end. “Dad was poorly for a while, he put up a good fight, incredible really. It was so nice to see his dry humour, the importance of faith and his love for classical music shine through at the end.”

He went on to reflect on his father’s impact, especially in education. “Every day I’ve been at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff, someone would stop me and ask about dad. He probably taught them at some point. He made a big impact on education in these parts over a long period of time. He was strict and direct, always reasonable. A teacher for 40 years, a headteacher for 28!”

Gethin also praised the NHS staff who looked after his father, especially his sister, who works for the health service. “Always grateful for the care and understanding of the wonderful NHS staff – my sister is one of them. But this time, she was also the daughter. One of the strongest I know, (and then will cry at an emotive sentence in Welsh!). She’s just been amazing, didn’t miss a beat.”

He added a lighter touch too, mentioning her WhatsApp group of friends who managed to find humour in tough moments: “Finding the humour when needed is so important isn’t it… along with the unconditional support. A tough old week. But lucky in so many ways.”

The heartfelt tribute brought a wave of love and sympathy from fans and famous friends. Strictly’s Janette Manrara commented: “What beautiful words. Sending my love to you and your loved ones.” Gaby Roslin added: “Sending you so much love and my deepest sympathies to you and your whole family. I am so sorry Geth. But they always stay in our hearts forever.” Anthea Turner and Ben Shephard also offered their support.

Despite the sadness, Gethin and Helen’s return to Morning Live was warmly welcomed by viewers. Fans flooded social media with messages like: “Yay!! Record it every day to watch when home from work, such a valuable show with lots of great tips on everything, health, money, fitness, cooking, travel what’s not to love. Welcome back I’ve missed you all.” Another said simply: “Fabulous!!! Our favourite morning TV family have been missed.”