Chris Evans has revealed that his beloved mother Minnie has passed away at the age of 92.
The BBC radio 2 DJ left his listeners in tears today after he left a poignant note explaining his absence, which was read out on air by colleague Vassos Alexander.
Vassos stepped in at the last minute to cover Chris’ show as the note revealed he found out about his mother’s death, just minutes before he was due to go live on air.
Vassos said: 'Chris isn't here. He has been here. But he had to go just before we went on air. But he's left a note for me to read out on air. This is very difficult because he is one of my best friends.'
Reading the note, he said: 'Good morning, says Chris. The reason I'm not with you today is because just before I came on air my mum passed away and I needed to go straight back home to be with my family. But it's all OK, in fact it's very OK, mum needed to be at peace.
'Moreover she needed to be at peace for some time now and as she has throughout her life in death she has brought us together. She was an incredible woman.
‘Anyone who has ever met her will tell you that ultimately there was no battle lost only a life won. Every single day. I'll be back tomorrow.
'If mum had the first idea I might not have shown up today because of her she would have been furious. I hope you have a lovely Thursday. See you tomorrow'.
Fans expressed their sadness and condolences on Twitter, with one writing: ‘So sad to hear that your darling Mum Minnie has passed away. I loved hearing about your Sunday tv marathons. She was very loved. Sending condolences to you & your family. RIP Minnie’.
Another added: ‘Thoughts for @BBCRadio2’s Chris Evans as his Mother has just passed away. Such a sweet & positive message read out on his behalf just now… All the best Chris!’
Minnie’s passing comes just weeks after the 52-year-old told his listeners that he and wife Natasha Shishmanian are expecting twins, following a successful IVF treatment in 2017.
The twins will be the star’s fourth and fifth children, as he already shares sons Eli Alfred, five, and eight-year-old Noah Nicolas with Natasha and is also dad to 31-year-old Jade, a daughter he shares with his former fiancée Alison Ward.
