Good Morning Britain viewers have hit out at Richard Madeley for what they felt was a 'stupid' question to ask as they spoke about the death of Dame Olivia Newton-John. The actress and singer's husband confirmed she had died “peacefully” on Monday morning (August 8).
John Easterling said the Grease icon, famed for playing Sandy in the hit film opposite John Travolta as Danny, was surrounded by family and friends as she passed at the age of 73 after battling breast cancer for 30 years.
Dame Olivia’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi paid tribute to her mother with a selection of images on Instagram. The post included pictures of Ms Lattanzi as a baby as well as more showing the pair appearing to give interviews together. Meanwhile, writing on Instagram, Travolta said that her “impact was incredible” and signed off his tribute to the actress as "your Danny".
READ MORE: Gemma Atkinson shares personal memory of meeting Oliva Newton-John in sweet tribute following death
Dame Olivia's passing was spoken about throughout Tuesday's edition (August 9) of Good Morning Britain with Richard and co-host Charlotte Hawkins discussing the star's incredible life and career while also talking to those who knew her. Dame Olivia's friend Jane Seymour opened up about the British-born actress and singer's final days before her tragic death.
Former Bond girl and Golden Globe winner Jane met Dame Olivia in 1976 after moving to Los Angeles from the UK. Appearing on GMB via video link, she clutched two photographs showing them together and said: "She was a really special person. She changed the world in many ways, especially in terms of what she did with cancer. Basically, instead of hiding things in her life, she opened up and said, ‘This is what I’ve got, this is what it looks like.'"
Recalling their final meeting before her death, Seymour added: “The last time … she didn’t know I was coming. She got the day wrong. Somehow she got in some sort of clothes and came out and she just kept looking around and she said, 'Look at those hummingbirds, look at the sky, look at nature. Isn’t it beautiful?' That’s who she was. She just grabbed every moment."
Later, the hosts spoke to Richard Wilkins, the entertainment editor at Channel 9 Australia, who also knew Dame Olivia personally. Richard, 66, asked their guest what the star was really like, to which he said: "She just radiated goodness...She was just a good person." He also said that Dame Olivia was "there for everybody all the time."
But those tuning into watch GMB appeared unimpressed by how Richard chose to word his questions to the guests as he spoke about Dame Olivia away from the spotlight. @Sweggers tweeted: "'…. What was she really like?’ Why do they always ask this stupid question? #gmb."
@triciauno said: "Richard's deep question "what was she like as a person" #gmb." @Roy_the_boyo echoed: "Deep question Madeley 'what was she like'? #GMB." @completechimp shared: "Richard Madeley with more forensic interviewing on #gmb this morning asking someone who knew Olivia Newton-John 'what was she like?'"
Referring to Richard asking both Jane and Richard if Dame Olivia 'knew how beautiful she was', @Stepharrnee hit our: "Richard asking if Olivia NJ knew how beautiful she was. What a ridiculous question. #GMB." @BellaBo36535681 said: "Does Madeley genuinely not know how crass he is. Going on about ONJs beauty. Yes she was beautiful but she was so much more than that. Cringeworthy. #GMB."
Others, however, felt much of the programme being dedicated to the loss of Dame Olivia was appropriate. @marian_mc54 shared: "#gmb All the remembrances coming in for Olivia John well deserved for all the right reasons.. Celebrating the life of a good soul.." While Roy Martin tweeted: "Well done Richard that was a great interview with Jayne Seymour #GMB."
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