Lorraine viewers tearful as Peter Egan breaks down about late wife Myra Frances

Peter Egan became very tearful on Wednesday morning when Lorraine Kelly asked him about his late wife Myra Frances.

Peter was married to former actress Myra for 49 years until her death from cancer on March 30 this year.

During an appearance on ITV's Lorraine to discuss trophy hunting of wild animals, 74-year-old Peter remembered his dear wife but explained that his grief is still too raw.

Lorraine began: “For you this has been a sort of lifelong crusade in a way, and I know that by your side was your lovely wife who sadly died suddenly, I’m so sorry for your loss because she was a very special woman wasn’t she?"

Peter Egan became very tearful on Wednesday morning when Lorraine Kelly asked him about his late wife Myra Frances (ITV)

Peter choked up straight away and struggled to get his words out as Lorraine quickly apologised and asked if it was okay to continue the conversation.

"It’s only three months so excuse me, so whenever I think of Myra I kind of collapse a little bit," Peter said.

"I’m not surprised," Lorraine told him, looking rather upset herself.

Peter continued: "She was a wonderful woman and I adored her, she was very inspirational.

Lorraine Kelly asked Peter if it was okay to continue talking about his late wife after he became upset (ITV)

"In fact, she was responsible for my first becoming engaged with trophy hunting and animal rights and animal welfare some 30 odd years ago when we started rescuing dogs together. So I blame her," he laughed.

"The response on social media and so many amazing letters I got after she died, and from many young people she helped. Just sensational warmth and affection," Peter continued.

"Myra had a great sense of humour and a huge great, great heart," he added, fighting back tears again.

Viewers tuning in at home also felt choked up as they watched Peter get upset, and took to Twitter to comment.

"Oh seeing Peter Egan getting choked up, is choking me up #Lorraine," one person posted.

"#Lorraine aww bless Peter, what a lovely long marriage he had xx," a second tweeted.

A third added: "Oh crikey…Peter Egan is an amazing man… #Lorraine #bantrophyhunting."

A fourth viewer said: "#Lorraine If I could reach into the tv and hug Peter Egan , I would. So sorry for his loss. X."

And another tweeted: "Felt for Peter Egan there - wonderful actor and person #Lorraine."

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.