This Morning's medical expert Dr. Uchenna Okoye has died aged 53

This Morning's Dr Uchenna Okoye has tragically passed away after a 'sudden illness'.

Having appeared on the iconic daytime show and 10 Years Younger in 10 Days, the 53-year-old had become a friendly face who solved the nation's medical maladies.

In the wake of the heartbreaking news, her family shared a statement earlier today (Sept 18).

ITV

Shared on her Instagram, they wrote: "We are heartbroken to announce that Dr Uchenna Okoye sadly passed away after a sudden illness on Friday 15th September 2023.

"We know many of you will be devastated and shocked to see this post. We ask for your prayers and some privacy at this difficult time. We will be in touch in the coming days."

The family added: "We request that you respect Uchenna’s family’s wishes for privacy at this very difficult time.

"The Uchenna sparkle touched the lives of everyone she met and drew her into stardom on 10 Years Younger makeover show, followed by 10 Years Younger in 10 Days where her passion and compassion leaps off the screen.

"For the last twenty years, her deep knowledge of dentistry and her incredible chair-side manner made her the go-to spokeswoman for any dental issue and a popular contributor to radio, TV, and women’s consumer press."

ITV

Shortly after the news broke, tributes began to flood in for the doctor and This Morning star.

One fan wrote: "Sending so much love. This doesn’t feel real. So heartbreaking."

Another agreed, adding: "This is truly awful. I am so so sorry..."

Meanwhile, others focused on Dr Okoye's personality which lit up the small screen over the years.

"No!!!! She’s a treasure...a lovely lady," wrote a third in the comments on Instagram, with a fourth admirer adding: "Beautiful Uchenna! An industry beacon who quickly became a friend to many of us. So warm, generous and funny. Sending condolences to her family and friends."

Earlier this year, the doctor had opened up about the stresses and strains of her job.

Speaking to Hello! magazine, she revealed how she relaxed and told the outlet: "I always make time for a massage once a week, but I realised these aren't simply a luxury.

"As a busy dentist, I spent a full 10 hours a day crouched over looking into people’s mouths, so a massage is a necessity."

When it came to relaxing, she made lighting a candle part of her daily routine.

Dr Okoye added: "My daughter loves it too and gets excited when she sees me lighting them as she knows it is her time with me also, it’s downtime."