This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have paid a moving tribute to a guest who died in the Air India tragedy.
Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, appeared on the ITV show in January and April this year to discuss his healthy lifestyle company, Wellness Foundry, which he launched with his husband, Jamie Meek, 45.
The pair were among the 241 people who died when their plane crashed just minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad, bound for Gatwick, on Thursday morning.
Hammond and O’Leary praised Fiongal’s “energy” on the show and sent their “thoughts and prayers” to his family.
“We are starting today with the tragic flight disaster dominating the news this morning. Sadly, one of those believed to have lost his life is Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek,” O’Leary said.
“Fiongal appeared on This Morning twice this year, we loved the energy he brought to the studio. Fiongal was on board the plane with his husband Jamie.”
He added: “The couple posted videos online about their flight just before boarding and our thoughts and prayers go to their loved ones and all those affected by the terrible tragedy.”
Hammond said: “Of the 242 people of those on board, 241 lost their lives, including 52 from the UK, making it the worst aviation disaster involving British nationals since the 9/11 attacks.”
Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell also paid tribute to Fiongal on Instagram on Thursday.
Sharing a photo of the wellness guru posing with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley in the studio, he wrote: “So, so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick.
“I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I’m a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.
“And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.”
Fiongal shared a video on Instagram of him and Jamie joking around at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport as they waited to board their flight home.
“Goodbye India,” Fiongal said, before asking his husband: “What’s your biggest take away, Jamie?”
Jamie responded “I don’t know”, with Fiongal laughing and responding with, “Yeah fascinating, great, thanks for your contribution.”
The couple then joked about losing patience with your partner, before Fiongal said they were “going back happily happily happily calm”.
Both ran a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry in Lambeth, south London and Ramsgate, Kent which offers psychic readings, tarot, reiki and yoga.
