Good Morning Britain star makes tragic death announcement 'we've lost an icon'

On Wednesday's edition of Good Morning Britain,ITV audiences witnessed Susanna Reid honour D-Day hero Ronald Butcher and Hollywood legend Robert Redford.

Throughout the programme, whichrecently witnessed one presenter admit they've received calls to step down, presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna covered the day's top stories.

After they'd completed their news round-up, featuring Donald Trump's visit this week, the ITV broadcaster paused to acknowledge the heartbreaking loss of two notable personalities.

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She stated: "I want to pay tribute to an extraordinary man, hero, D-Day Veteran Ronald Butcher, who has passed away at the age of 98.

"Earlier this year, just before VE-Day, Ronald spoke about dealing with trauma from the battlefield once the Second World War was over, fighting the memories, even in his sleep."

Footage was subsequently broadcast of Ronald, a distinguished Merchant Navy seaman, talking to the Mirror as he revealed there was no assistance available at the time for him to handle the trauma he experienced following his wartime service, which frequently led to nightmares where he was transported back to the battlefield, reports Wales Online.

He stated: "My mother and father used to come and wake me up and sort me out."

Susanna informed audiences that today, Ronald's condition would suggest he suffered from PTSD.

Moments after discussing Ronald's passing, Richard Madeley addressed another devastating loss, Hollywood icon Robert Redford.

The ITV star remarked: "Talking of RIPs, we say goodbye to Robert Redford, who has been part and parcel of the fabric for so many people's cinematic lives as far as I can remember."

Susanna went on to say: "He won an Oscar, didn't he? For Ordinary People, for directing, and for Best Picture. Of course, he set up The Sundance Film Festival, which launched many, many films."

Further into the programme, entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold declared: "We've lost an icon."

Robert was also a performer, as well as being a director, and was renowned for his role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

It was confirmed that he died at the age of 89 at his residence in Utah.

Following the news of his death, heartfelt messages have been flooding in from figures across the showbusiness world.

Writer Stephen King posted on X: "Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89."

Star Meryl Streep, who worked with Robert, expressed in a short statement released through her representative: "One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend."

Good Morning Britain is available to watch on ITVX.