This Morning’s medical expert and 10 Years Younger star Dr Uchenna Okoye sadly passes away after ‘sudden illness’ aged 53 leaving her young daughter and family devastated

This morning’s medical expert, Dr. Uchenna Okoye, has sadly passed away at the age of 53 after a ‘sudden illness’, leaving her young daughter and family devastated.

The cosmetic dentist made numerous appearances on the ITV show as she offered advice to viewers at home.

A statement shared on Uchenna Instagram said she fell ill at home on Friday, September 15, but no cause of death was given.

It read: It is with the deepest hearts that we announce the passing of the much loved and respected cosmetic dentist, Dr. Uchenna Okoye, who passed away after falling ill at home on Friday, September 15, 2023.

‘At this time we ask for your prayers for her young daughter, her family, her team of staff at London Smiling Dental Group and her friends as they all struggle to cope with her loss.

Tribute: A statement shared to Uchenna Instagram said she fell ill at home on Friday, September 15, but no cause of death was given

“We ask that you respect the privacy wishes of Uchenna’s family at this very difficult time.”

It continued, “The Uchenna sparkle touched the lives of everyone she met and propelled her to stardom on the 10 Years Younger makeover show, followed by 10 Years Younger in 10 Days where her passion and compassion radiated off the screen.

‘Over the past twenty years, her in-depth knowledge of dentistry and her incredible chairside manner have made her the mouthpiece for every dental problem and a popular contributor to radio, TV and women’s consumer press.’

Tributes quickly poured in for mainstream TV, with one fan writing: “That’s absolutely devastating… sending lots of love to her family.”

Another wrote: ‘I am absolutely heartbroken to read this. I loved Uchenna. I can’t really process this terrible news.’

A third commented, “Beautiful Uchenna! A beacon in the sector that quickly became a friend to many of us. So warm, generous and funny.

‘My condolences to her family and friends.’

Another follower wrote: ‘Devastating news. My love and prayers to her family.

Heartbreak: A statement shared to Uchenna Instagram said he fell ill at home on Friday, September 15, but no cause of death was given

“We will all miss your infectious energy and warmth.”

While someone else shared: ‘Absolutely shocked by this devastating news! I still can’t believe it.

‘She was the kindest and sweetest person I knew for a short time. Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and your little girl.”

The news comes just days after Holly Willoughby and This Morning led tributes to guest Matty Lock after he died suddenly at the age of 19.

Holly and co-host Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to a ‘truly unique’ and ‘lovely’ member of the studio.

The ‘delightful’ teenager regularly appeared on the show to review vacuum cleaners, which he had become obsessed with since he was two when he received his first toy Henry vacuum cleaner.

The popular youngster was also a member of the Labor Party and recently spoke of his pride in becoming a councilor in his home town of Maghull, Merseyside.

Dermot shared the news at the start of Monday’s programme, saying: “One of the This Morning family members Matty Lock – you may remember Matty – sadly passed away this weekend.”

Sad news: Holly Willoughby and Dermot O’Leary led an emotional conversation with ‘a lovely man’ and ‘much loved’ team member Matty Lock

Death: Matthew Lock, 19, known as Matty, sadly passed away suddenly at the age of 19

Passion: Matty had an ‘infectious passion’ for gadgets and had been fascinated by vacuum cleaners since the age of two

Willoughby added: “He was a beloved member of our team who never failed to bring joy and more to our studio with an infectious passion for gadgets and technology. He was truly unique.”

O’Leary continued, “Yes, bless him. His love for vacuum cleaners started when he was just two years old when he received his first toy Henry.

‘He then became a politician, a campaigner and a much-loved member of this show. He’s a nice guy.’

“Matthew will be missed by all of us here and we send our deepest condolences to his family. It was incredibly sad and shocking news yesterday,” Willoughby said.