THIS Morning host Cat Deeley broke down in tears on today’s show as they paid an emotional tribute to rugby star Rob Burrow.
The ITV daytime show discussed the sad passing of Rob during their daily headline roundup on Tuesday.
Cat and co-host Ben Shephard were joined by The Sun’s Agony Aunt Deidre to speak about grief.
Presenter Cat told viewers: “Just a quick word about our phone in. Yesterday, we spoke about the devestating news that former English rugby league player Rob Burrow passed away peacefully over the weekend aged 41 with a battle with motor neurone disease.”
Ben said: “Last night his family released a very touching message from Rob, recorded before he passed away, let’s take a look.”
After the heartbreaking video was played, Cat broke down and began to sob.
The star struggled to fight back her tears as Ben asked: “Are you alright?”
Cat shook her head and said: “No, I told you I watched it this morning.”
With her voice cracking, Cat pushed through to read the next line on the autocue.
Stifling her tears, she said: “Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we’ll ever go through, which is why Deirdre is here to help manage your grief today.”
Rob sadly passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, Leeds Rhinos announced.
He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.
Rob passed away peacefully at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
After being diagnosed with the illness, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community with the support of close friend and former Leeds team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to Burrow describing him as a “legend of Rugby League” who had a “huge heart”.
William added: “He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.”
Grieving fans have already gathered to lay down shirts and flowers in memory of Burrow outside Leeds Rhinos’ stadium.
A statement from the Burrow family read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND. He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob.
“In particular, the rugby league family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.
“For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise.
“Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else. He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”
Internationally, Burrow – who was awarded a CBE in January 2023 – was capped 15 times by England and played five Tests for Great Britain.
But he was best known as part of the Leeds team that won the Super League in 2004.
It was a victory that ended the club’s 32-year wait for a title, while he was then named Man of the Match in Rhinos’ 2007 and 2011 victories.
