TV HEARTBREAK: “Loose Women” Star Charlene White’s Agony as Her Father Ta:kes His O:wn Li:fe — The Third Devastating Tragedy to Hit the Beloved ITV Presenter

Charlene White at the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards.
Charlene White’s father has tragically died after taking his own lifeCredit: Getty

 

Charlene White's father Denniston smiling on a sandy beach.
Charlene White revealed her father took his own lifeCredit: Instagram/@charlenewhite

 

A man in a black t-shirt and camouflage shorts stands barefoot on a sandy beach next to clear blue water, with a "GLASS BOTTOM" boat in the background.
‘He lived a life full of love’ said Charlene about her late dad DennistonCredit: Instagram/@charlenewhite

In a heartbreaking revelation that’s left fans and colleagues in tears, Loose Women star Charlene White, 45, has confirmed the sudden death of her father, Denniston, who tragically took his own life — marking the third devastating loss to hit the beloved ITV presenter.

The journalist and broadcaster shared the emotional news in a deeply personal Instagram post, revealing that her father had been “living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift.” Charlene White's Mum Dorrett and Dad, with baby Charlene - taken without permission, from Instagram

“So he made the decision to take control of that cloud and take his own life,” Charlene wrote. “This despite the fact that he lived a life full of love — FULL to the brim, overflowing in fact.”

Loose Women’s Charlene White devastated over death of beloved ‘brother’, saying ‘my heart is broken into a million pieces’, , , There will be many of you who will aware of me talking about one of my oldest and best friends Darrell @djoptic and his mission to beat the enemy which is Sarcoma cancer., , In the early hours of Saturday morning, four and a half years after he was diagnosed, after a week of saying goodbyes to those he loved, sharing stories and banter, he took his final breath surrounded by his wonderful wife @mrsamymcdonald and children Maya and Theo., , He has been my brother since we met at 16 years old, I was the best man at his wedding, and god-mother to his eldest. The nonsense our little crew would get up to was hilarious back in the day, he was there for every milestone. My heart is broken into a million pieces., , He was by far one of the kindest men I’ve ever met, and throughout his treatment he made it his mission to shine a light on Sarcoma alongside @sarcoma_uk in the hope no other family had to go through what he and his family went through: raising awareness, raising money, educating doctors. He was quite simply, amazing., , His wife @mrsamymcdonald is honestly the best of all of us. I’ve watched her in awe over the past 4 years. I wish I could hug her pain away, because at this point life just feels very very unfair., , I’m returning to work today, because I just don’t know what else to do tbh. Grief can sometimes just make you feel a little lost., , Message your besties and let them know how much they are loved xx
Charlene’s close pal Darrell, who she described as her ‘brother’ died in JanuaryCredit: Instagram/Charlene White

Charlene continued:

“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.”

The presenter said her family — including her siblings, step-siblings, and stepmother — have chosen not to hide the truth behind his passing, hoping that being open about their pain might help others.

“Hiding emotions and the true depth of our feelings — hurt, pain, shock, grief — helps no one,” she wrote. “Least of all us.”

A Family Torn by Grief 💔

Charlene’s father’s passing comes just months after she mourned the death of her closest friend, Darrell “DJ Optic”, who lost his battle with sarcoma cancer in January. Before that, the ITV star had also lost her mother, Dorrett, to bowel cancer when Charlene was just 16 years old.

Now, the presenter says her family is trying to “find their way” through the unimaginable grief.

“We’re still figuring out how to move forward,” she shared. “But we have each other — and I don’t know how we’d ever be able to see a sliver of light in our days without each other to lean on.”

Charlene revealed that hundreds of loved ones came together for a traditional Jamaican Nine Night celebration last weekend — a joyful, music-filled event held nine days after a person’s passing, honoring their memory with love and community.

“Dad was an amazing father, stepdad, grandad, husband, and friend,” she wrote. “We’re all just taking it step by step.”

Remembering a Life of Love 🌹

Charlene also paid tribute to her late dad, sharing photos of happier times and describing him as a “life force — warm, funny, and endlessly kind.”

Fans and friends quickly flooded her post with condolences and messages of support.

One follower wrote:

“I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was my driving instructor — the kindest man I ever met. He’ll be missed deeply.”

Another added:

“He was such a wonderful person, always smiling. Sending love and prayers to your whole family.”

A Legacy of Strength 🌈

Despite the devastating loss, Charlene is continuing her advocacy for mental health awareness, using her platform to encourage others to check in on loved ones.

“Please, hug your parents close. Tell them you love them. Don’t assume they know,” she urged.

Charlene has long been open about her own experiences with loss. Speaking previously on Lorraine, she reflected on losing her mother at 16, recalling:

“I used to do my homework sitting by her hospital bed. That was our normal. We didn’t know any different.”

“You’re Not Alone” — Her Message of Hope 🕯️

Charlene’s words have struck a powerful chord with fans, many praising her courage for speaking out about mental health and suicide.

One follower commented:

“It takes so much strength to share something so raw. You are helping more people than you know.”

Another wrote:

“I’m proud of you. You, like your father, are deeply loved — and we’re all here for you.”

Charlene ended her tribute with a reminder of her father’s enduring impact:

“He lived a life full of love. And that love is what we’ll hold on to.”

As messages of love pour in from across the UK, Charlene’s story serves as a poignant reminder — behind every smile, there can be a silent battle.

Source: The Sun