Loose Women star Charlene White has revealed her father, Denniston, tragically took his own life, urging followers to “hug their parents close.” The 45-year-old presenter, who lost her best friend earlier this year, shared the devastating news on Instagram on Friday. Charlene’s mother, Dorrett, also died from bowel cancer in 2002.

‍

‍

In an Instagram post, Charlene wrote: “Two weeks ago our lives changed forever. Unbeknownst to us, our dad had been living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift. So he made the decision to take control of that cloud and take his own life.

“This despite the fact he lived a life full of love. FULL to the brim. Overflowing in fact. But sometimes the darkness is stronger, and heartbreakingly for all of us, he chose to keep what he was going through to himself. Very typical of dad.

“So we too have made a choice — his children, step-children, and wife — not to hide the circumstances of our loss. Because hiding emotions and the true depth of our feelings — hurt, pain, shock, grief etc. — helps no-one. Least of all us.”

‍

‍

She continued: “This post will no doubt prompt many of our friends who we haven’t managed to reach out to yet, to contact us.

“Please don’t be offended by any calls and messages that remain unanswered for now. This kind of grief is new and unexpected and we’re still finding our way.

“Hug your parents close, and always tell them that you love them. Because that’s sort of our job as children, to love them, no matter where the road eventually takes them. Even if they end up taking the hardest most unfathomable path.

‍

‍

“But we have each other, and I don’t know how we’d ever be able to see a sliver of brightness and light in everyday without each other to lean on.

“And the million extended family members, and tribes of friends who’ve held our hearts and our hands over the past two weeks.

“On Sunday we had the traditional Jamaican nine night, and the ancestors were right — it was the most perfect way to release our grief through food, dancing, drink… and joy, with hundreds of friends and family. All organised by our tribe of friends and family. We’re incredibly blessed.

‍

‍

“Denniston was an amazing dad, step dad, surrogate dad to many, friend, brother, grandad, uncle, cousin and husband. And we’re all just taking it step by step.

“From Charlene, Liz, Joshua, Carina, Jade, Gemma, Justin, Soriah, Alfie, Florence, Kairo, Elisha and Shaniya.”

‍

‍

Charlene was met with an outpouring of support from celebrity friends, including fellow Loose Women stars Coleen Nolan and Olivia Attwood. It has been a challenging year for Charlene, who also lost her best friend, Darrell, in January. The following month, she broke down on Loose Women while discussing grief and Darrell’s death from Sarcoma cancer, praising his courage and work with charity Sarcoma UK to raise awareness.

‍

Charlene also reflected last year on the loss of her mother, Dorrett, who died when she was 20. During a panel discussion, the mother-of-two shared that her pregnancy with her son Alfie was especially emotional, as she faced motherhood without her mum’s support.

‍