Holly Willoughby recalls meeting Dame Vera Lynn as a child as This Morning pays tribute to singer

‘We’ll Meet Again’ singer has died aged 103

Holly Willoughby recalled her earliest memory of Dame Vera Lynn as the This Morning team paid tribute to the singer, who died aged 103.

Opening the ITV show with a discussion about Lynn’s life, Willoughby was joined by co-host Phillip Schofield and Esther Rantzen when she shared a memory of meeting Lynn as a child.

“When I was a really little girl, we grew up not far from Ditchling, actually, where she lived,” the presenter explained.

“There was a farm where you used to go and get your turkeys at Christmas and I remember being with my mum, and I was only tiny, and my mum saying to me, ‘That lady there is Dame Vera Lynn.’”

Willoughby continued: “I remember then just looking at this lady, and I was so young I couldn’t put it in context, but just thinking, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Now, I’m so pleased that at least I got to catch a glimpse of this incredible woman.”

Schofield also recalled his own experiences with Lynn, saying: “I met her a number of times during the course of my earlier career. She was always very dignified. She never really put a foot wrong, having been so perfect for what everybody needed her at the time we needed her the most.”

Lynn, who was known as the “Forces’ Sweetheart” for her work during the Second World War, died in the early hours of Thursday (18 June) morning. A statement from her family reads: “The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.

“Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.”