Gloria Hunniford has opened up on the idea of moving abroad, after her husband Stephen Way tragically passed away last year
Loose Women panellist, Gloria Hunniford, has shared her thoughts on the idea of leaving the UK to retire under sunnier skies.
In a recent chat, the 84 year old TV personality recounted a poignant story about her mother, who imparted some wise words to a young Gloria while she was engrossed in a book.
It appears that this advice has shaped her future plans. Despite enjoying quality time with her two sons and four grandsons at their holiday home in France, Gloria has no intention of retiring there, or anywhere for that matter.
She seems quite resolute in her decision not to retire, attributing this mindset to a simple lesson her mother taught her when she was just nine years old.
Speaking to Woman's Weekly, Gloria said: "I love France, but I don't want to sit in the sun for two or three months there. A lot of people are glad to give up work, play golf and enjoy the sun - it's just not for me. I've no plans to retire, absolutely not," reports Coventry Live.
She recalled a moment from her childhood, saying: "I remember when I was nine, reading a book and my mother saying, 'Go off and do something - you've got years ahead of you to sit in a chair and read books'."
She added that this phrase has stayed with her, making it hard for her to unwind.
This revelation comes after the beloved TV host suffered a heartbreaking loss last year. In August 2024, her cherished husband, Stephen Way, sadly passed away at the age of 85.
Gloria expressed her deep sorrow, saying: "Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life, but our entire family. He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end. We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish."
In a heartfelt conversation on Loose Women during the show's special 70+ episode in January, Gloria opened up to fellow panellists Janet Street-Porter, Lesley Joseph, and Prue Leith about her experience of loss.
She concurred with the sentiment that being without one's husband is unimaginable, acknowledging that widows "suddenly think" they're alone.
Further sharing her feelings, Gloria mentioned: "I'm rarely on my own by the way, because of family and everything, but you know, I have always lived with husbands."
