BBC presenter Nina Warhurst took to Instagram to share a moving post about her late father

BBC presenter Nina Warhurst has penned a touching tribute to her late father as she faces her first Christmas without him.

The 45-year-old broadcaster announced the devastating news that her dear father Chris passed away in July this year, following a dementia diagnosis in 2022.

Nina took to Instagram to post a heartfelt homage to her father, sharing images from Chris’ celebration of life service, and featuring photos of the family’s children donning Manchester United football kits with ‘Warhurst’ emblazoned on the back.

Earlier this month, the journalist returned to the photo-sharing platform to share an email she’d received from Chris’ former neighbour, revealing her deep sense of loss.

Accompanying a collection of quotes and a picture of her cherished father, Nina expressed: “I am missing my Dad as we head to our first Christmas without him. Something is missing in the world and it hurts.”

Nina Warhurst is preparing for her first Christmas without her beloved dad (Image: BBC)

She continued: “This week I received this email from his former neighbour and it touched me deeply. We didn’t know this family but the words paint a gentleman who was warm and reliable. Someone who could breeze the chit-chat, but could be called on in a crisis. Someone with wisdom to offer perspective to bad luck. A good neighbour.

“These are quiet and steady characteristics that are easily overlooked. Small gestures without fuss adding up to something much, much bigger. The world can feel bleak and hopeless but quiet things we do every day hold meaning, and it’s beautiful that a stranger wanted us to know they saw them in Dad.

“I added here my favourite Middlemarch quote (nearly gave up on it many times, but that small passage made the slog worth it). And one from Vonnegut, who I don’t know but I saved it from @lettersofnote Because the sentiment on trying every day is the same. “He was a fantastic man. ” He was.”

Nina’s dad Chris passed away in July after being diagnosed with dementia in 2022 (Image: Nina Warhurst Instagram)

Nina received an outpouring of supportive messages from her social media followers in response to her heartfelt post. One follower penned: “It is so lovely when people take the time to send or say such words. My Dad died 17 years ago and still miss him. My Mum died 2 years ago and I still feel lost, ‘orphaned’. A strange feeling aged 60. X”.

Another shared: “Though Christmas may seem diminished by the absence of those who have slipped beyond our sight, the day becomes fuller when we gather to share their stories.

“In remembering together, we discover that what is gone is never truly lost, but woven into the very fabric of our celebration. Take care everyone x”.

Nina received an outpouring of supportive messages from her social media followers in response to her heartfelt post (Image: ninawarhurst_/Instagram)

A third sympathiser shared: “Sending you and your family heartfelt hugs.”

Meanwhile, a fourth expressed: “I lost my wife Christmas time so totally understand how upsetting it is, you never forget but it does get easier, she was only 42, best wishes to you Nina.”