Simon Rimmer made a return to TV to praise the NHS a few days after his beloved father died.
The TV star's dad, Peter, passed away in a hospital in Merseyside last Thursday at the age of 89.
Due to the family emergency, he pulled out of his usual presenting spot on Sunday Brunch and was briefly replaced by Tim Lovejoy.
And now, on Wednesday's episode of Steph's Packed Lunch, Simon returned to pay tribute to the NHS and his father.
Speaking to Steph McGovern, he said: "My dad passed away last Thursday, and I've always, always loved the NHS, but every single person that was involved at the end of my dad's life, not just for him and the care that he got, but for us as a family in his final hours, there were just amazing.
"They could not be more supportive."
"It is the jewel in the crown of our country, and we should cherish it," he continued. "And just a massive thank you, thank you, thank you, to everybody at Arrowe Park Hospital who really just made my dad's final hours incredible. They really, really did."
Simon previously announced the tragic news of his father's death on social media.
The Channel 4 favourite wrote alongside a photo of himself posing alongside his beloved dad: "It’s with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my hero, my dad Peter."
Simon previously revealed that he was just nine years old when his dad Peter was diagnosed with cancer and initially told that he had very little chance of survival.
He wrote last year: "Two heart operations, two lots of cancer. He’s a fighter. He’s the smartest, most gentle human being. Love you Dad see you later."
A few years ago, Simon discussed his dad's health battles in a poignant post for Peter's 87th birthday.
The chef told Mind Map about his dad's battle and called him a "strong" man.
He said: "As I look back, to my childhood I remember being nine-years-old and my dad being diagnosed with cancer and was told he had very little chance of survival – he’s now 84 and still going strong!
"I remember my dad being a very strong human being and I remember him using that when he was fighting his illness – he had the power of positivity and mental agility and that always stuck with me."
Steph's Packed Lunch is available to watch on weekdays at midday on Channel 4*
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