Celeb guest:
Francine Lewis
This month we’ve heard about the tragic disappearance and then confirmed death of actress Naya Rivera, who drowned in a lake in California while out boating with her son. At age 33, she was so heartbreakingly young and has left behind her four-year-old son, Josey. There was also the death of Kelly Preston – the actress and model married to John Travolta – who sadly passed away from breast cancer. It’s just so sad, and it’s made me think about the impact that the death of celebrities has on us. Even though we don’t know them personally, it really hits you hard. The outpouring of love on social media from Glee fans shows just how much Naya’s death has affected them.
Personally, George Michael’s death was something that really got to me. My sister and I had grown up obsessed with Wham! – she was in love with George and we’d dance to their songs together. Then, when I was older, my first boyfriend and I found out where he lived, and we’d sit outside his house in north London, hoping to get a glimpse of him. He was such a big part of growing up for me, so when he died in 2016, it felt almost like I’d lost a childhood friend. And I remember when I was younger, my mum cried for days when Elvis Presley died. It’s funny how the death of any celebrity hits you just as hard as if you knew them – like it would with a family member or friend. So I’m sending love to Naya’s family and friends, as well as to all her fans who are mourning – it’s such a tragic loss.