ITV This Morning's Deidre Sanders cries as she shares 'lonely' life after husband's death

This Morning's Deidre Sanders was left in tears on Tuesday's show as she discussed the loneliness she has felt since the death of her husband, Rick, in December 2022

Deidre Sanders was visibly moved during an emotional phone-in as she discussed the loss of her husband.

The much-loved agony aunt spoke about struggling with loneliness on This Morning on Tuesday (March 18) with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.

One caller, Allan, a 62 year old from Dorset, shared how life has been difficult since his husband Keith passed away on Christmas Eve in 2023. "Since then it's been just very lonely," he admitted.

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He mentioned having friends and family in Scotland but acknowledged it's not the same as they have their own lives, so he can't always be with them.

Allan fondly recalled the "always laughter" that filled their home when Keith was around, and expressed how "hard" it has been to adjust to being alone, reports the Mirror.

A tearful Deidre empathised, saying, "I obviously completely empathise with that because I've been through the same thing myself. I really do sympathise, Allan."

She added, "I do know how hard it is when you've lost a partner, particularly one that made you laugh a lot. Mine did too."

Deidre then shared her personal experience of feeling lonely after the sudden passing of her husband, Rick, who died in December 2022.

She encouraged Allan to seek counselling for his grief and suggested a support organisation for young widows.

Deidre offered some heartfelt advice, saying, "Look around your area, and think about interests you'd have and what you'd connect with. I'd always say volunteering because it's a really good thing to do, and it refocuses your thinking,".

Ben chimed in: "I think one of the things as well, Deidre you can probably speak to this much better me, but reaching out and telling people that you're feeling a bit lonely is a really important step."

Deidre replied: "It is, I think often friends, especially if you've been widowed, they feel awkward and don't know what to say. I think it's really important to ring somebody up and say, 'I could do with a chat,' her voice filled with emotion, just before Cat took over to introduce the next caller.

Previously, Deidre had shared the poignant news that her husband Rick had died only days after she discovered she was to be awarded an MBE for services to charity and mental health.

Reflecting on the bittersweet moment, she said it was "really special" to be able to share the MBE news with him before he passed away, adding, "It was lovely that we could share that."