SKY SPORTS presenter Vicky Gomersall was reduced to tears live on air after the tragic news of Bob Willis’ death aged 70 broke.
Gomersall, 47, was reporting live on Sky Sports News, alongside co-host Jim White, at the time.
The presenter was left unable to read a statement from the Willis family, such was her grief, with White stepping in to take over.
Willis was a Sky Sports pundit and analyst from 1991 up until this summer’s Ashes series.
He was a huge part of the Sky family and it was clearly all too much for Gomersall – who maintained her professionalism in staying on the air.
And viewers on Twitter quickly praised Gomersall for her reaction, with one saying: “@VickyGomersall well done today talking so well about #bobwillis cricket hero…
Another tweeted: “@VickyGomersall watching you breakdown whilst trying to report on bob Willis was absolutely heartbreaking.”
A third said: “Sad to hear of Bob Willis passing. @VickyGomersall breaking down on SSN was tragic and left a lump in the throat. Jim White handled that incredibly well.”
PURE EMOTION
One added: “@VickyGomersall no shame in showing your feelings on sky for the sad loss of Bob Willis.. keep going Vicky.”
Another wrote: “Felt for you @VickyGomersall having to do that piece to camera on the great Bob Willis. Something that none of us would want to do.
“As a great person you showed genuine emotion, nothing wrong with that all.”
Willis’ shock death was revealed by his family, who released a statement at around 4pm.
It read: “We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather.
“He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly.”
Legendary bowler Willis played in 90 Test matches for England between 1971 and 1984, taking 325 wickets – the fourth most in his nation’s history.
England cricketers past and present, along with footballers, actors and a host of other celebrities all swarmed to pay tribute to Willis.
@VickyGomersall well done today talking so well about #bobwillis cricket hero…
— Amy Rothery
(@amylou23232) December 4, 2019
@VickyGomersall no shame in showing your feelings on sky for the sad loss of Bob Willis..keep going Vicky .
— Liam Brownsword (@B6thevilla) December 4, 2019
Lovely moment on @SkySportsNews as @VickyGomersall struggled to report the passing of Bob Willis. Professionalism personified in @JimWhite
Said a few words at my best pals funeral at the weekend and it brought back beautiful memories.— Stephen Barr (@MrStephenBarr) December 4, 2019
Really felt for @VickyGomersall today on @SkySportsNews
— Bluedog (@Bluedog1883) December 4, 2019
