Gyles Brandreth was overcome with emotion as he bid farewell to a treasured loved one

This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth opened up about a heartbreaking loss as he addressed the news live on air. Hosts Rylan Clark and Sian Welby opened the show with some heartwrenching news as Gyles donned a knitted jumper with a cat etched on the front. Rylan began: “Hey Gyles, you have some bad news this morning.” Gyles replied: “I’ve shared with you our cat Nala with viewers over the years. She was the neighbours cat, who came over [the garden wall] a few years ago and adopted my wife. The neighbours said she clearly loves living with you and your wife more than with us. And so she stayed. Sadly, she died yesterday.”

Rylan interjected: “That’s so sad.” Gyles continued: “She was 20 years of age and was a Maine Coon – which is a very long life for a Maine Coon. And she had kidney failure, a tumour and was not able to walk. It was really time to say goodbye. It’s heartbreaking because we loved her so much. She brought so much happiness into our lives. It was wonderful to have friend who did nothing but bring joy.”

This Morning star heartboken as he breaks silence in ‘sad’ death admission (Image: ITV)

Gyles’ eyes welled up as he continued: “Can I ask you both something? The vet when they came round said, ‘as chance would have it, we’ve got a stray. It’s a kitten. Maybe you can come and see it?’ We’re thinking of going around this afternoon.”

Sian commented: “That’s fantastic!”

He asked: “Do you think it’s too soon? I don’t know.”

Both Rylan and Sian cried in unison, “Nooo,” before Gyles added, “The vet said you can foster it. It’s a little girl called Ethel.”

This was Nala in the garden last night. She was very ill, with kidney failure & a tumour. She died today. She was the most beautiful cat & the best of friends. She lived to be almost 20 – a long life for a Maine Coon. You can imagine how sad we are. And how grateful too. pic.twitter.com/0VuHHzcVYG

— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) August 21, 2025

He added it had been a struggle as Nala often rested on his wife’s stomach at night so he attempted to comfort his other half by resting his arm over her.

Gyles also shared the news in a heartfelt message on X.

Taking to the platform on Thursday night, he penned: “This was Nala in the garden last night. She was very ill, with kidney failure & a tumour. She died today. She was the most beautiful cat & the best of friends. She lived to be almost 20 – a long life for a Maine Coon. You can imagine how sad we are. And how grateful too.”

In a follow up message he added: “Lovely Nala in her prime. She was the neighbour’s cat who climbed over the garden wall & found Michele & wouldn’t leave her. The neighbours agreed to let us keep her. We’re so glad they did. She was so special. Beautiful brilliant & just the best feline friend you could ever have.”

This Morning’s Gyles Brandreth fought back tears (Image: ITV)

Social media users offered their condolences as one penned: “Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family Gyles. God bless little Nala.”

Another commented: “Oh, that’s so sad to hear! She really was the most beautiful cat and companion. Sending hugs.”

A third added: “Oh no, I am so sorry. She was a lovely cat who has had a happy life. It was great that you shared her with us. Sending hugs; run free, Nala.”

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