TEARS ON THE SOFA: BBC Breakfast Host Announces SAD NEWS as Guest Breaks Down Live On Air

BBC Breakfast stars Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, who was recently overcome with emotion on the programme, introduced viewers to a 94-year-old man called Raymond Horsely. Before playing the pre-recorded clip on the BBC show, Sally referred to him as ‘the most romantic Yorkshireman on earth’. However, she added: “When his wife Hazel died, terrible loneliness set in.”

Interjecting, BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay explained how Raymond was brave enough to ask for help and is now encouraging others to do the same. A video played showing photos of Raymond and his wife on their wedding day as Jayne McCubbin spoke to the 94-year-old about his long-lasting marriage to Hazel. The pair were married for 58 years, and during that time, Raymond had written Hazel numerous poems, expressing his love.

Raymond had written his wife poems throughout their marriage (Image: BBC)

A voiceover explained: “Every anniversary, every birthday, every Christmas, every occasion. But in 2007, Hazel was diagnosed with cancer, and the writing stopped. In 2009, Raymond wrote this final poem in his book.”

Raymond read aloud: “After 58 years of marriage, blessed with love and care, replaced with the utter loneliness now you are no longer there.”

Speaking to Jayne, he said: “I said to my wife I love you, three words. But this time, I said a different three words. I said, ‘I need help’.”

While the BBC correspondent was speaking to Raymond, it was clear he was overcome with emotion as his voice cracked while he was seen holding a tissue in his hand.

Raymond opened up on the loneliness he felt once Hazel died (Image: BBC)

In a separate clip, Raymond was shown in a festive jumper attending an event organised by Age UK, full of other people enjoying a Christmas dinner.

The 94-year-old was seen socialising with others as he pulled Christmas crackers and sang songs with the group.

He commented: “Going out three times a week to these functions gives me a life that I didn’t have. I can guarantee it’s changed my life. Age UK has never left me, never when I asked for help.

The 94-year-old praised Age UK for helping him beat loneliness (Image: BBC)

Now, Raymond is back to writing poems once more as he read his latest one to Jayne.

He said: “Lord Jesus, now I am 94, what have you got in store? When I become 95, do you intend to keep me alive? When I become 96, I think we’ll be in a bit of a fix.

“When I become 97, the finger will point up to heaven. When I become 100, and this is what I plan, that the lord will come to meet me and take me by the hand, into a promised land.”

BBC Breakfast is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.