A BARROW member of the This Morning family has paid tribute to agony aunt Denise Robertson who has died from pancreatic cancer.

Charlie Walduck credits ITV's This Morning and it's resident medic, Dr Chris Steele, for saving his life after they supported him through his incredible weight loss of more 36 stone over two years. 

Although Mrs Robertson wasn't directly involved with Mr Walduck's remarkable story, Mr Walduck met her at the studios on a number of occasions and she had words of encouragement for him.

The Barrow AFC supporter has sent his condolences to the This Morning team and his great friend Dr Steele, who had been friends with Mrs Robertson for many years.        

This Morning remembered agony aunt Mrs Robertson in an emotional tribute show today following her death at the age of 83 after a short illness. 

Presenter Eamonn Holmes broke his sick leave to join his wife, Ruth Langsford, to host the show. A statement from Mrs Robertson's family said: "The world has lost an extraordinary woman. 

"We know that her ITV family, the This Morning viewers and the incalculable numbers of people she has helped and causes she has championed during her 83 years, will be grieving with us at this intensely painful time." 

A host of her celebrity friends and ITV colleagues phoned the show to share their memories, including c o-presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby from their holiday destinations, and former presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

Holly Willoughby said: "Whatever she did on screen was just the tip of the iceberg really ... she did so much behind the scenes that nobody saw ... there was nothing she wouldn't do. It's just so sad."

Mr Walduck said: "Denise was a warm, friendly and lovely lady, and very approachable. She was such a big part of the show.

"She said to me, 'you have done really well'. It was very nice of her.

"She was very down to earth, everyone at This Morning is like that. It's like a family. I can call Dr Chris and he is still there to give help and advice. "They will all be devastated."    

The "matriarch of This Morning" announced six weeks ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

She joined the show for its first broadcast in 1988. She was awarded an MBE and given the freedom of her home city of Sunderland.