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This Morning stars Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley stopped the ITV programme on Monday (October 6) to announce the death of a ‘friend of the show’.

Ben and Cat were back on presenting duties to kick off a new week of the talk show, where they discussed the release of Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl.

While the show was airing, it was announced by the family of Dame Jilly Cooper that the Rivals author passed away on Sunday (October 5) at the age of 88 following a fall.

Her children Felix and Emily said in a statement: “Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.

“We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine

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