This is the moment Good Morning Britain paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, leaving viewers across the country in tears.
The 100-year-old veteran and NHS fundraiser passed away yesterday morning (February 2) after testing positive for coronavirus in hospital.
GMB hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid paid tribute to the national hero in a special edition of the show, which marked his incredible achievements.
The episode began with a compilation of photos from Captain Tom’s life, alongside a clip of him explaining that he is an optimist, reassuring the country that “Things will certainly get better and in my life they always have.”
Susanna said: "We are paying tribute to a national hero.... He put the 'great' into Great Britain, today we remember the courage and determination of a man who captured the hearts of young and old."
Piers added: "He became a symbol of hope, a shining light in the darkest of times, we are celebrating this remarkable man's remarkable life.
"A very sad day today, to lose a man of that stature, who incredibly, nine months ago, we had not heard of.
"The more we got to know him, the more we loved him, he represented the very best of this country. Decency, courage, determination, resilience, a man who came from World War II serving his country, risking death several times.
"That installed in him a sense of positivity, even in the darkest times, like World War II, 'Tomorrow will be a good day'."
Throughout the morning news show, TV stars and politicians gave their tributes to Captain Tom, and several clips showing his life and achievements were played.
Captain Sir Tom Moore became a national icon last year, after challenging himself to walk 100 laps of his garden at his home in Bedfordshire before his birthday on April 30.
He gave himself three weeks to do the challenge, and encouraged people to donate to NHS Charities Together.
His fundraising efforts raised more than £32 million for the NHS by the time his donation page closed.
Tearful Good Morning Britain viewers took to Twitter to praise GMB's tribute and to express their own condolences.
One viewer wrote: “Anyone else sitting crying into their morning coffee watching @GMB this morning? So emotional looking back at Captain Sir Toms life.”
"Oh my goodness @GMB this is emotional," another Twitter user added.
“It’s so lovely watching @GMB this morning and reminiscing of how amazing @captaintommoore was,” said a third.
Another couldn’t control themselves: "I have started BAWLING already! Rest in Peace #CaptainSirTomMoore Thank you for all you achieved in your life. We only wish we had known you longer,” they said.
Charities have vowed that the legacy of Sir Tom, who died on Tuesday morning after testing positive for Covid-19, will live on “for years and years”.
His family said the last year of his life was “nothing short of remarkable”, and that he had “experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said his contribution will be formally marked.
Asked whether a statue might be built “in possibly his home town or where he was born or in London”, Mr Hancock told LBC: “Yes, I do think that we should find a way, at the right time, to honour the contribution that he made to the NHS and he was an inspiration to so many people.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
