Craig Doyle shares heartbreaking update on This Morning as fans rally around him

Craig Doyle opened Monday’s episode of This Morning with some devastating personal news, leaving viewers touched by his honesty. The presenter, who is fronting the show alongside Sian Welby until midweek, revealed that his beloved dog Rigby had passed away just days earlier.

The moment came during a discussion with Ashley James and Gyles Brandreth about a story on dogs being prescribed weight-loss drugs. Gyles mentioned that his own cat wasn’t doing well, before turning to Craig and gently acknowledging that he too had been through a tough time.

Craig, clearly emotional, admitted: “Yes, yeah, I’ll be able to talk about it in about three weeks. I’m still—Rigby, our little dote, he passed away on Friday, just when we finished the show”, reported the Mirror.

Later in the programme, during a segment with dog behaviour expert Graeme Hall, Craig spoke in more detail about his loss. Fighting back tears, he explained that Rigby, his 11-year-old boxer, had been helped to pass peacefully by a vet.

“He came up and he helped him pass away with such dignity. My wife, her sister Wendy, we were all there,” Craig said. “It was very sad—I’m getting through this, the other dog was brought in to say goodbye. We wondered how upset is that other dog when its pal passes?”

When asked how his other dog was coping, Craig admitted: “He’s doing better than me to be honest with you.”

It isn’t the only difficult news Craig has had to share recently. At the start of Thursday’s programme, which he hosted with Emma Willis, he revealed that his mum was in hospital. In a bittersweet twist, he added that one of his best friends, Johnny Rogan, was also receiving treatment in the same hospital and, by pure coincidence, they were placed in rooms right next to each other.

“They said they’re going to watch together this morning. So mom, Johnny, hiya,” he said warmly, before jokingly reminding his mum to “put her teeth in.”

This wasn’t the first time Craig has addressed his mum live on air. Back in May, he mentioned she was in hospital then too, cheekily asking if she had the volume turned up so she could hear him.

Despite the emotional challenges he’s facing, Craig has continued to front This Morning with warmth and professionalism. He’s filling in while regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard enjoy their summer holidays, and viewers have been quick to praise his on-screen partnership with Sian Welby.

Social media lit up with supportive comments after their shows together, with many fans hoping they’ll see more of the duo in the future. One viewer wrote: “I really like this pairing of Craig & Sian—shame Craig’s said on a number of occasions that he doesn’t want the full-time hosting gig.” Another added: “Fantastic, a presenting duo who are professional and easy to watch.” A third simply celebrated: “Yes Craig and Sian.”

Between the personal sadness and the warmth from viewers, it’s been a deeply emotional week for Craig. His openness has clearly resonated with the audience, showing that sometimes the most powerful moments on live TV are the most human.