Eamonn Holmes ‘didn’t know what to say’ to Dame Deborah James during final meeting before her death aged 40-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

Eamonn Holmes has admitted he didn’t know how to say goodbye to Dame Deborah James during their final conversation before her death aged 40.

Dame Deborah died at home surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday after battling bowel cancer for five years.

Before her death, the You Me And The Big C podcaster attended Royal Ascot where she was pictured radiating sunshine as smiled for the cameras.

It was at the races where Eamonn managed to have a chat with Dame Deborah, which would soon transpire to be their last.

Paying tribute to the campaigner alongside co-host Isabel Webster on Wednesday’s GB News, the former This Morning presenter reflected on his final words to her.

‘I remember looking at her and thinking, “What do you say? See you soon or…”,’ he admitted.

Eamonn Holmes didn’t know how to say goodbye to Dame Deborah James (Picture: Getty)

James attended Royal Ascot just weeks before her death aged 40 (Picture: Getty)

‘And I remember just saying, “You look after yourself”. I really couldn’t think of anything else to say. And when she did leave, she was tired.’

Recalling Dame Deborah’s appearance at Ascot, Eamonn continued: ‘It’s easy to think, Isabel, that that’s the way she looked. That’s the way she became. 

‘And when you look back just a matter of a few months ago she was a different person. 

‘She looked very weak and she looked very, very frail, despite how happy she looked.’

Isabel added: ‘She looked weak and frail but she was there for hours and had a long conversation with Ruthie [Langsford] if I remember, and I remember thinking how exhausting that must be. 

James was surrounded by her family as she died (Picture: Instagram)

‘And she was the following the races, she was interested in the horses, and she was there with her brother and talking about her beloved children.’

‘She justified why she was there and she was taking these experiences in,’ Eamonn continued.

‘And she looked ill and, you know, when she left, it was very, very difficult.’

News of Dame Deborah’s death was confirmed by her family on Instagram.

‘We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family,’ they said in a statement.

‘Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.

‘Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.’

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They continued: ‘We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund. Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.

‘And a few final things from Deborah…”find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.”’

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