This Morning agony aunt Denise Robertson dies aged 83

Robertson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February

Denise Robertson, an agony aunt on This Morning for over 30 years, has died aged 83.

Robertson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February.

Viewers became concerned about her wellbeing earlier this year when she was absent from the daytime chat show for a few weeks. Her diagnosis was confirmed by Robertson in a statement released by ITV shortly after, where she said: “I’m sorry I've not been around for a couple of weeks but a persistent health issue has turned into something quite a lot bigger.

“I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It has come as a surprise to me and my family but we know that many others have suffered and dealt with this condition.”

In a statement, This Morning said it was "heartbroken" by the passing of an icon.

Born in Sunderland, Robertson appeared on This Morning from its first ever broadcast in 1988. A popular fixture on the series, Robertson launched her own spin-off, Dear Denise, in 2000. She also appeared on a number of TV shows including Big Brother’s Bit On The Side and had her own advice website.

Her first husband Alex died of lung cancer in 1988 and her stepson John died of cancer aged 44. Her second husband died of a stroke in 1995. She is survived by her husband Bryan Thubron and their son Mark Robertson.

Ali Stunt, the founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said in a statement: “All of us here at Pancreatic Cancer Action are very sorry to hear of the passing of Denise Robertson from pancreatic cancer. Denise was such a feature in people’s lives, offering advice and comforting many who needed help through her TV work as an agony aunt. She will be missed by the nation.

“Sadly, Denise’s diagnosis was, like many with pancreatic cancer, too late for treatment options to be effective. Late diagnosis is why survival rates have not improved in nearly five decades and why we need to increase the funding and attention this disease needs in order to effect change and before we lose any more of our ‘national treasures’ to pancreatic cancer.

“Our condolences go to Denise’s family and friends and to everyone who knew her.”