Martin King calls his first granddaughter 'gift from the heavens' after birth on same holy-day as father's passing

Martin King was visibly ecstatic as he announced the birth of his first granddaughter who arrived on Easter Monday.

The host of The Six O'Clock Show opened up about the moment he was told of the birth of baby Sophia.

Speaking to co-host Muireann O'Connell, he said: "It was just brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

"We woke up yesterday morning with our phones going ballistic because our first granddaughter had arrived into the world.

Martin's son James and his partner Shauna broke the news to the popular TV presenter who won't be able to visit his grandchild due to coronavirus restrictions.

Martin King was ecstatic at the birth of his first granddaughter Sophia (The Six O'Clock Show)

King called 'gorgeous' baby Sophia a gift from his late dad who passed away on Easter Monday last year.

King said: "There's a lovely story (behind it). There's a lovely tie in because as you know I lost a parent last year and next Wednesday would be my dad's first anniversary.

"Well, Sophia was due to arrive on the 22nd of April, on my dad's anniversary, but instead she decided to come into the world nine days early.

"So she arrived into the world yesterday, Easter Monday, and Easter is happening a week earlier this year.

"Last year on Easter Monday my dad passed away so this year on Easter Monday he sends us this wonderful and gorgeous gift straight from the heavens."

He added: "It made all of us shed a lot of tears of joy."

The Six O'Clock Show airs on Virgin Media One weekdays at 6pm.