Jill Douglas was supported by fans after an emotional appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen.

Jill paid tribute to her mum after the BBC show appearance (Image: BBC)

A BBC star has make a heartbreaking announcement after appearing on James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen. Jill Douglas made an appearance on the weekend show, and then took to Instagram to share the news of a tragic death.

The 56-year-old sports presenter shared a snap of her and her mum together, as they enjoyed some sunshine in a garden. She emotionally penned: “We filmed this Saturday’s show before my lovely Mum died. She loved to bake and cook and I enjoyed talking about her with James on this week’s programme, especially her talent for making scones! Mum had a wonderful life, she was a very special woman and we will miss her enormously x @saturdayjamesmartin.” TV chef James was one of the first to share his support. He commented: “So sorry for your loss [loveheart emoji] sending you all our love.”

Fellow sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher added: “So sorry Jilly, sending you all so much love and thinking of you.”

Meanwhile a fan penned: “So sorry for your loss Jill – what a lovely photo of you with your mum. Sending love x” And another said: “Ohhhh @jillydouglas I’m so so so sorry to hear ur such sad news!!!! Sending you so much love.”

Jill joined the BBC in 2003 as a leading presenter for rugby union, cycling and various sporting occasions, including the Olympic Games, and has remained a recognisable presence on the channel since, whilst also contributing to BT Sport and ITV.

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Much like her BBC counterpart Gabby Logan, Jill is wed to a former Scottish rugby international. She and husband Carl Hogg reside in Cheltenham and have two children, Keith and Rosie.

Losing her mum is not the first time that Jill has suffered immense heartbreak.

Jill, who was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours, is well known for her involvement with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

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She took on the role of CEO in 2017 through her friendship with Scottish rugby icon Doddie Weir, who passed away in November 2022 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Whilst she has since stepped down as CEO, Jill remains a patron of the charity.