Stephen Way, the husband of Northern Irish television presenter Gloria Hunniford, has died at the age of 85.
The veteran broadcaster, 84, wed the businessman in 1998, and she said he would leave "the most enormous void, not only in my life".
In a statement, his family said: "It is with huge sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the passing of Stephen Way, Gloria's beloved husband, who lost his battle yesterday afternoon.
"Stephen had been heroically fighting his illness… but always with great tenacity and a positive spirit."
Hunniford, 84, said: "Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life, but our entire family.
"He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end.
"We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish."
Mr Way was described as a "wonderful husband, father and grandfather" and Hunniford added: "It’s a great shock and words cannot express my sadness at this time.
"A bright shining light has dimmed, and he shall be missed at every turn."
Source: Press Association
