'Heartbroken' Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard fight back tears remembering their time with 'absolutely charming' Air India crash victims on This Morning

Daily Mail​

5 hours ago

A 'heartbroken' Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard fought back tears as they remembered their time with two 'absolutely charming' Air India crash victims on This Morning.
The presenters began Tuesday's episode of the ITV show with a tribute to Jamie and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, a couple who perished on the tragic flight that crashed just after take-off from Ahmedabad bound for Gatwick on Thursday (June 12).
Both Cat and Ben appeared to be close to tears as they read a statement from the couple's loved ones.
Cat looked emotional as she said: 'We'd like to start by taking a moment to send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Jamie and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek who tragically lost their lives in the Air India crash.'
Ben continued: 'As more details continue to emerge from the devastating tragedy, their loved ones have asked us to share a statement on their behalf.
'It is with profound sadness and unimaginable heartbreak that we confirm that both Jamie and Fiongal were passengers on the Air India flight that tragically crashed in India.'
The two presenters began Tuesday's episode of the ITV show with a tribute to Jamie and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, a couple who perished on the tragic flight that crashed just after take-off from Ahmedabad bound for Gatwick on Thursday (June 12)
Cat went on the read: 'They were a bright light in so many of our lives, deeply loved as sons, brothers and friends.
'Their warmth, kindness, humour and generous spirits touched everyone who knew them. We are all beyond devastated by the news and are struggling to come to terms with the potential of a life without.'
Ben added: 'They would want us to spread positive energy to the world, especially at this time, may peace and love prevail, where there is darkness, spread light, love and laughter.
'We were lucky enough to spend some time with both of them. Fiognal on the show of course, Jamie behind the scenes.'
Cat and Ben reflected on the time they spent with Fiognal and Jamie on the set of This Morning.
Cat said: 'Just absolutely charming gentlemen who were so positive, I've still got my Palo Santo that he gave me and the rosemary that I burn.'
Ben added: 'Fiognal came him last time, he left us with a little care package didn't he, and I've got the stuff to cleanse the energy in my room, some grounding stones, the little bell to ting and some spritz.
'And when we heard the news, obviously it was heartbreaking that the lives of these two young men that were so full of joy and wonderful souls, have been tragically lost.
'They will be really sorely missed and very warmly remembered by all of their friends and family of course.'
Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, featured on the ITV daytime programme in January and April this year and discussed the healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry he founded with his husband, Jamie Meek, 45.
Last week, Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary paid tribute to the pair.
'We are starting today with the tragic flight disaster dominating the news this morning,' Dermot said at the beginning of Friday's instalment of This Morning.
The couple are thought to be among the 241 victims who perished when the flight crashed just after take-off from Ahmedabad bound for Gatwick on Thursday (June 12).
Dermot added: 'Sadly, one of those believed to have lost his life is Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek.
'Fiongal appeared on This Morning twice this year, we loved the energy he brought to the studio. Fiongal was on board the plane with his husband Jamie.
'The couple posted videos online about their flight just before boarding and our thoughts and prayers go to their loved ones and all those affected by the terrible tragedy.'
Presenter Alison added: 'Of the 242 people of those on board, 241 lost their lives, including 52 from the UK, making it the worst aviation disaster involving British nationals since the 9/11 attacks.'
Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell paid tribute to Fiognal on his Insatgram account yesterday.
He posted a photo of Fiongnal smiling with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley alongside the caption: 'So, so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick.
'I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.
'And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him.
'Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.'
Jamie and Fiongal, who live in London, run a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry, and had been in India on holiday.
In a chilling final social media video posted from Ahmedabad airport as they waited to board their doomed flight the couple were dressed in flowery shirts looking happy at the end of their break.
In the clip, Fiongal says: 'We are at the airport just boarding. Goodbye India. Ten-hour flight back to England. What was your biggest takeaway Jamie?
Jamie replies: 'I don't know,' with his partner laughing and responding: 'Thanks for your contribution.'
Fiongal then jokes that his biggest takeaway was 'don't lose your patience with your partner' to which Jamie responds with a smile: 'You snapped at me at the airport for having chai.'
As other passengers mill in the background, Fiongal laughs at the camera and reveals that he is going back to Britain 'happily, happily calm.'
Jamie Meek's brother, Nick Meek, told MailOnline: 'We were expecting him home tonight. He should have landed at 6.30pm and then driven up for about 11pm to get his dog who is staying with our Mum.
'She is not in a good way. It is all very raw for her at the moment. It's a lot to take in and we only heard this news a couple of hours ago.
'Jamie and his husband Fin had been out there for 10 days as a couple to do a wellness retreat.
'They both worked in holistics and had their own business.'
The caretaker from Birmingham said it was not the first time his brother had been to India but it was the first time they had gone as a couple.
He said that his brother and Fin had married in 2022 and lived in Ramsgate, Kent.
In other videos posted by the couple, they showed the stunning hotel they were staying in while in Ahmedabad having completed a seven-hour car journey.
Fiongal lies on a large bed as he speaks to the camera, showing off a giant swing in their room and describes the hotel as 'beautiful.
He beams: 'Feeling very, very happy.'
The couple captured the happy time they had in India in a series of social media posts.
This included getting henna tattoos, shopping for fine fabrics and other gifts and driving through chaotic traffic in a tuk-tuk.
They arrived in Ahmedabad just a day before flying back with Fiongal posting in a video: 'So, it's our last night in India and we've had a magical experience. Some mind-blowing things have happened.
'We are going to put all this together and create a vlog. It's my first ever vlog about the whole trip and we want to share it.'
Jamie revealed what a memorable trip they had both had: 'We have been on quite a journey and then spending our last night here in this beautiful hotel, it's really been great way to round off the trip.'
According to its website, The Wellness Foundry was founded by Fiongal in 2018 after he had a 'spiritual awakening' following a mysterious illness.
The website adds: 'Seeking healing beyond conventional methods, Fiongal delved into alternative practices that resonated deeply within his soul.'
The company specialises in tarot and psychic readings, reiki and other alternative spiritual therapies.