Caron Keating dies at 41

Former TV presenter Caron Keating died last night at the age of 41 after losing a seven-year battle with breast cancer.

The daughter of Gloria Hunniford will be remembered by most as a fashion conscious presenter on Blue Peter in the late 1980s but has also presented several other shows including ITV1's This Morning where she was a stand in for Judy Finnigan for a number of years.

In a statement issued this morning Keating's family said: "At 6.15pm last night broadcaster Caron Keating sadly lost her seven-year battle against cancer, a battle that she fought with enormous courage, tenacity and optimism."

"She passed away at her mother's home in Sevenoaks, in Kent, surrounded by her family."

Tributes from the showbiz industry quickly began pouring in following the announcement.

Veteran broadcaster and family friend, Terry Wogan, said: "I've known Caron, through Gloria [Hunniford], her mother, since she was a university undergraduate. She was terrific, just like her mother, could cope with anything and like her mother she was beautiful and charming and put simply, a lovely girl.

"News of her death has come as a complete terrible shock. She fought the cancer with immense courage.

"I worked with Caron on numerous occasions, but the most memorable would have been during the Olympics in Barcelona. From the time she was very young she had vivacity, charm and a beauty that had shone through during her television and broadcasting career."

Former Radio 1 DJ Peter Powell, a close family friend, said: "The family are remarkably resilient. They are deeply saddened by the loss. She passed away peacefully. It was an enormous relief."

Mr Powell said Keating was "an enormously fun-loving girl, optimistic... and a wonderful mother." He said in the last few months and years she had shown "unprecedented courageousness."

"She had the love and support of her family who were with her at all times," he added. "Her two boys were at her bedside and I think that says it all. She has fought the most remarkable battle," he said.

Richard Marson, Editor of Blue Peter, said: "Caron Keating was an immensely popular and successful member of the Blue Peter team.

"During her time with the show she triumphed at some amazing challenges from diving with sharks to abseiling down skyscrapers.

"Caron was famous for her fashion sense and one of the most popular competitions Blue Peter has ever run was for viewers to design an off-the-wall outfit for her.

"She stayed a part of the Blue Peter family after leaving the show and often came back for guest appearances and Blue Peter gatherings.

"Caron was an incredible person and a brilliant presenter and all the Blue Peter team send their deepest sympathy to her family and friends."

She was the mother of two boys, Charlie aged nine and seven-year-old Gabriel and was married to talent agent Russ Lindsay.

The reaction by our forum members has been one of sadness and shock - feelings that will no doubt be echoed by many other thousands of people.