Holly Willoughby fights back tears as she praises Deborah James for saving lives

HOLLY Willoughby was overcome with emotion as she paid tribute to Dame Deborah James today following her death.

The inspirational Sun columnist, known as BowelBabe to her legions of Instagram fans, died from bowel cancer aged just 40.

Speaking about the tragic loss on today’s This Morning, Holly fought back tears as she said how many lives Deborah would have saved.

She sent her love to her two children and husband as they discussed her legacy.

Holly said: “What she has done will go on to save lives of so many other people and maybe that is her greatest legacy.”

Phillip Schofield added: “Our love to her son Hugo and daughter Eloise and her husband Sebastian. We are sending big hugs, an amazing, amazing lady. “

GMB pays tribute

Earlier in the morning Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid also paid tribute.

Looking incredibly emotional, Susanna said: “Even if you’d never met her, I think everyone felt like they knew Dame Deborah James, who has sadly passed away way too early at the age of 40. A five-year battle, of course, with cancer.

“She was an absolutely remarkable woman, who fought right to the end to raise awareness of the condition.

“Our hearts go out to her children… and her husband Sebastian, and her parents.”

Tears from Lorraine

And the tributes continued on the Lorraine show, as the host, who was close friends with Deborah – played out a special tribute to Deborah.

Lorraine had tears in her eyes after the film had finished playing.

As she introduced her next guest, Lorraine’s voice broke and she started to cry.

She told viewers: “I’m sorry, just saying that. It sort of hits you, it does.”

Lorraine added: “We knew this was going to happen, but it still doesn’t feel quite real.”

Tragic loss

Deborah was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016, at the age of 35.

After learning last month she would receive end-of-life hospice care, she began fundraising in earnest – with the total now topping an astonishing £6.7million.

Her legions of fans around the country learned of her death in an Instagram post shared from her account last night.

It reads: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.

“Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.

“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.

“We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the .

“Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.”

She penned a final missive to supporters before her death. Her words were shared in the Instagram post tonight.

“Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,” she said.

“And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.”