Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore reveals heartbreak after death of beloved friend
TV presenter Laura Whitmore has shared her heartbreak after losing a close friend.
The ex-Love Island host, 38, revealed that her photographer pal Jay McLaughlin had sadly passed away with stage four cancer.
Laura shared a touching tribute on social media today, along with a picture of Jay and a number of shots that he had taken of her throughout her career, including special milestones.
The devastated star wrote: "I've spoken a lot about my friend Jay McLaughlin a very talented photographer and his account @jaymclaughlin_irl documenting his life with stage 4 cancer.
"Sadly we have lost Jay.
"We had been preparing ourselves for the worst but you never fully comprehend it.
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"He’s been part of and taken photos of so many stages of my life - shoots, BTS, headshots, birthdays.. not to mention our shared love of Star Wars."
She added: "I know he was in a lot of pain near the end so I hope he is free of the restraints that his body had on him.
"Rest in power, he was a force who I am eternally grateful to have known."
Laura fans raced to share their messages of condolences.
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One wrote: "I am so sorry to hear this. Sending love."
Another posted: "So sorry for your loss, Laura.
"Despite the inevitability it doesn’t stop the feeling that the floor beneath you has been removed.
"I was touched looking at his raw and honest posts about his cancer.
"I don’t want to use the word battle as it affords some sort of heroic majesty to this vile disease.
"Sending love to all his family and friends."
A third added: "So sorry to hear this devastating news, took some of my favourite photos of you.
"Captured your radiance and smile. Thinking of his family at this painful time. Sending all my love & thoughts."
