Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary issue heartfelt tribute to ITV This Morning regular who died in Air India crash
Dermot O’Leary delivered an emotional tribute during Friday’s This Morning, announcing the death of regular contributor Fiongal Greenlaw in the Air India plane crash.
The presenter told viewers that Fiongal had “appeared on This Morning twice this year,” adding: “We loved his energy that he brought to the studio.”
O’Leary confirmed that Fiongal was aboard the aircraft with his husband when the tragedy occurred.
“The couple posted videos online just before boarding, and our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones and all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” he said.
The Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday afternoon, claiming 241 lives, with only one British survivor reported.
Fiongal, 39, and his husband Jamie Meek, 45, were co-founders of a wellness brand that had featured on This Morning. The couple were returning from a holiday in India when their Gatwick-bound flight crashed.
Fiongal first appeared on the ITV programme in January, providing aura readings for hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.
He returned in April as a spiritual advisor, joining Ben, Cat, and Josie Gibson in the London studio.
Following his January appearance, Fiongal shared his excitement on his wellness brand’s Instagram account.
The post described it as “the biggest gig so far” and noted that whilst “nerve-wracking”, he was “honoured to chat about one of his favourite topics to such a big audience.”
Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell shared a poignant Instagram tribute, posting a photograph of Fiongal with hosts Shephard and Deeley from his January appearance.
“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,” Frizell wrote.
The 66-year-old recalled Fiongal’s studio visit, noting: “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.”
Frizell added: “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.” (sic)
The couple had shared a cheerful video from Ahmedabad airport moments before boarding the ill-fated flight.
In the footage, Fiongal asked Jamie: “What was your biggest takeaway, Jamie?” to which Jamie responded: “I don’t know.”
This prompted laughter from Fiongal, who joked: “Thanks for your contribution.”
He playfully remarked that he’d learned “don’t lose your patience with your partner”, before Jamie retorted: “You snapped at me at the airport for having chai.”
The video concluded with Fiongal declaring his return to the UK was “happily, happily calm.”
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Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid and TV regular Lisa Snowdon were among those responding to Frizell’s tribute with messages of condolence.