Doris Hobday death: Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid reveal popular Good Morning Britain guest has died aged 96

Lil and Doris were among Britain’s oldest identical twins and were loved for their ‘infectious humour’

Lil and Doris were a hit on Good Morning Britain and appeared as guests on a number of occasions (ITV)

Good Morning Britain hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid have broken the news that a former guest, Doris Hobday, has died aged 96.

Hobday, who with her sister Lil Cox was one of Britain’s oldest identical twins, appeared several times on the show after proving a hit during their first interview.

One of their most memorable moments came in May last year, when they told the hosts that the secret to their long lives was “plenty of sex”.

Morgan and Reid said Hobday died from coronavirus, which her sister is also currently fighting, just days before she was due to receive the vaccine.

Reid read a statement from the twins’ family that said Hobday had died on 5 January. She will be buried next to her husband, who died 11 years ago.

“Both were determined to live until 100, they had so much to live for,” the family statement said.

“It's just so cruel that Covid has stopped Doris like this. Our thoughts go out to all the families who have experienced a loss through Covid and we urge people to take this seriously.

“Doris was only a few weeks away from being safe. With her vaccine letter arriving two days after her death. If you are offered the vaccine please take it, do not refuse it. Doris didn't get this choice.”

A visibly upset Morgan said: “Two of our favourite guests on this programme Doris and Lil, they were Britain's oldest twins, we reported a week ago that they both contracted coronavirus.

“Very sadly Doris has lost her life. Lil is still with us battling hard. She’s aware of what has happened to her long-loved twin, but it's a very sad day for her family, for Lil and for us here at GMB.”

He added: “They brought such a ray of sunshine to our lives with their infectious humour. They were a wonderful duo and have been inseparable sisters for 96 years.”

Morgan and Reid sent their best wishes to Cox, who has set up a fundraising page for a charity close to her sister’s heart.