Josie Gibson was left fighting back tears on This Morning after they discussed the news of Dame Olivia Newton-John's death. The actress and singer's husband confirmed her passing on Monday (August 8) saying she died 'peacefully' surrounded by her friends and family, aged 73.
Dame Olivia is best known for her starring role in the 1978 film Grease, in which she starred opposite John Travolta as Sandy. Her performance saw her nominated for multiple awards including two Golden Globes, and various other film accolades.
Dame Olivia's co-star and long-time friend Barry Pearl, who played 'Doody' in Grease, appeared via video link from his home in Los Angeles on the ITV daytime show on Tuesday (August 9) to talk about Olivia's death and what she meant to the whole cast of the hit film that made her a household name.
READ MORE: ITV This Morning's Craig Doyle 'clears the air' with Josie Gibson seconds into show
Barry spoke about his close bond with Olivia. "We remained friends, the entire Grease family, we're all still in touch with each other," he told Josie and Craig. "It's remained this family by [us] creating this piece of art, it's kept us together all these years. It's a major loss for us.
"She was a force and yet of a delicate nature, she just had this sweetness about her. It was just the person that she was, she was always looking to do good and she did. Her legend and memory will continue to do that. She has left an amazing legacy, which will continue to impact people in a positive way."
Towards the end of the interview, Barry, 72, was overcome with emotion as he said: "Thank you for allowing me to come and speak to the collective Grease fans, because you folks are the ones who kept us relevant. And she was well aware of that. And she treated all of her fans with grace and dignity and love and light."
As they wrapped up the chat and thanked Barry for his tribute, Josie said "Thank you", as her voice broke with tears filling her eyes. The TV star was clearly moved by the actor's words and was spotted getting emotional by co-star Craig who gave her a supportive look.
As the 51-year-old Irish TV star referenced the emotion of it all saying: "Wow! He spoked so eloquently." Josie, 37, replied: "I know," before she fanned her tears with her script. They later went on to speak to This Morning's Hollywood correspondent Sam Rubin and as the segment came to an end, Craig too appeared emotional.
"Oh my goodness," he said after a brief pause of breath. "An emotional start to the show today but it's amazing though because when you see her singing and dancing you think of her as a young woman who's not with us anymore. An amazing personality and talent just gone."
Josie then admitted: "Barry got me there," referring to her earlier emotional appearance. And This Morning viewers felt the emotions too. @Tullykenny tweeted: "#thismorning in tears over the sad death of beautiful, kind and loved Olivia Newton John." @geordiegalg added: "Already cried so many tears since hearing the sad news and now off again seeing Doody, always my favourite T-Bird. Still hard to accept Olivia Newton-John has gone. #Sandy #Grease #ThisMorning."
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