Ben Shephard emotional as GMB viewers share stories of loved ones who died from Covid

A year to the day that Prime Minister Boris Johnson plunged the UK into a national coronavirus lockdown, as the virus became a pandemic, it was a day of reflection for many.

Good Morning Britain hosts Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid recalled the days a year ago when things changed, as many areas of the UK currently remain in a third lockdown.

Viewers were messaging in to the hosts all morning, with stories of their losses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic over the past year.

Some deaths were more recent, just weeks ago, as other fans spoke of those who died back when the virus peaked in the UK.

As Ben and Susanna read out the harrowing accounts of those who has been left grief-stricken in recent months, Ben understandably became emotional.

Good Morning Britain hosts Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid read out comments from viewers, who were paying tribute to loved ones who died from coronavirus (ITV)

His co-host Kate Garraway had noticed, and referenced him being "moved" when she appeared on the show later on to discuss her husband Derek Draper's battle with the virus.

Susanna said: "Today we are marking a year since the lockdown was announced, and it has been a year of loss, and a year of grief.

"And you have been getting in touch this morning with your memories of people who have been lost.

Good Morning Britain host Ben Shephard became emotional on the show (ITV)

"Dan says, 'I lost my mum last year on the 23rd of March. The days leading up to it I will never forget. Mum lasted until Mother's Day.

"'She passed during the night. This day will be etched in my mind forever'."

Ben then read out: "Nads has contacted us saying, 'My husband died during the pandemic, my young children are fatherless, I am a widow. It's absolutely heartbreaking, the loss is unbearable'."

Good Morning Britain hosts Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid recalled the days a year ago when things changed (ITV)

The presenter then took a deep breath and sighed, understandably moved by the devastating stories of those impacted by the virus.

Susanna went on: "Keeley says, 'On January 5th this year our beautiful friend Elaine sadly lost her fight against this cruel virus.

'Elaine was our amazing, loyal, caring, brave, funny lady we were blessed to have as our friend. All of her family and friends are truly missing her'."

The memories went on too, as Ben was seen reading through the many comments on his iPad.

Susanna offered her condolences and said that while they couldn't read them all out on air, they were both reading every one of the messages and thinking of them.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.