Josie Gibson is moved to tears by Grease actor Barry Pearl’s tribute to Olivia Newton-John

The much-loved actress died peacefully at the age of 73 at her home in southern California, on Monday morning.

And on Tuesday’s instalment of This Morning on ITV, Josie Gibson, 37, was moved to tears by Grease actor Barry Pearl’s heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John.

The actor, 72, starred as T-Bird Doody (Frenchy’s boyfriend) in the iconic 1978 film, spoke live from his home in Los Angeles, with his words leaving to Josie visibly emotional as she sat alongside her co-host Craig Doyle, 51.

Barry spoke fondly of how Olivia would sign off emails to people, with the late star using: ‘love and light, Olivia,’ at the end of each.

Josie gushed: ‘Barry, those words are just beautiful, they’re absolutely beautiful,’ while Craig added: ‘Take care of yourself today Barry, it’s gonna be a hard day for you, take care.’

Getting increasingly emotional, Josie continued: ‘We’re sending you so much love because it must be very, very hard for you because we know how close you were.’

Barry replied: ‘Thank you very much for having me on and to speak to the collective heart of the fans because you folks are the ones who keep all of us relevant.’

Fond memories: The 72-year-old actor spoke live from his home in Los Angeles, with his words leaving to Josie visibly emotional

Throwback: Barry Pearl famously played Doody, one of the three T-birds, a gang of teen boys who attended Rydell High School, in the 1978 film version of Grease 

Moved: Listening to by Barry’s warm words moved Josie to tears, and she later confessed: ‘Barry got me there, Barry definitely got me there’

As his voice began to break, the Grease star added: ‘And she was well aware of that and she treated all of her fans with grace and dignity and love and light… thank you.’

Moved by Barry’s warm words, Josie broke down in tears, while Craig commented: ‘He spoke so eloquently didn’t he?’

With tears filled her eyes, Josie simply uttered: ‘I know,’ and she later confessed: ‘Barry got me there, Barry definitely got me there.’ 

Iconic: Olivia (left, as Sandy) shared many scenes with Pearl in Grease. They are seen here filming the final musical sequence  

On-screen couple: The actor starred as T-Bird Doody – Frenchy’s boyfriend – in the iconic 1978 film (Pictured with Didi Conn who played Frenchie)

Barry Pearl famously played Doody, one of the three T-birds, a gang of teen boys who attended Rydell High School, in the 1978 film version of Grease.

He went on to appear on plenty of TV shows over the years, including Beverly Hills, 90210, Baywatch, Criminal Minds and more.

Like his Grease co-star Didi Conn, Barry returned to the franchise for Grease: Live, this time playing the role of Mr. Stan Weaver.

While he never quite reached the heights of Grease again, Pearl went on to become an acting teacher.

Olivia got her big break in the 1978 movie musical as good two shoes teenager Sandy Olsen – in which she starred opposite John Travolta’s hunky bad boy Danny Zuko – and originated the new song ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’. 

Lifelong friends: Barry couldn’t hide his tears as he recalled his friendship with his late friend (Pictured L-R:  Didi Conn, Barry Pearl, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in 2018)

Olivia’s husband broke the news of the star’s death in a heartbreak Facebook post on Monday morning, following her brave and extraordinarily public decades-long battle with cancer. 

‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ Mr Easterling wrote.

‘We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.

‘Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.

‘Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.’ 

Flowers were laid on her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as fans celebrated the life of the much-loved actress and singer.

Newton-John’s husband announced her death on her Facebook page on Monday. She was 73