Doris Hobday, one of the UK’s oldest identical twins who delighted Good Morning Britain viewers last year, has died from coronavirus.
The 96-year-old and her sister Lillian Cox both contracted Covid-19 earlier this month.
The pair – dubbed the Tipton Twins – made headlines last year when they had Piers and co-host and Susanna Reid in stitches during their appearance on the ITV breakfast, admitting the secret to a long life was “plenty of sex”.
News of Doris’ death was announced with a family statement on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, while Piers confirmed Lillian had since recovered from the virus.
The family said: “We are aware they are both 96 years old and we have been so lucky to have them in our lives for such a long time. But they were both still going strong before this virus got them and both were determined to live until 100. They had so much to live for. It’s just so cruel that Covid has stopped Doris like this.
“Our thoughts go out to all the families who have experienced a loss through Covid and we urge people to take this seriously.
“Doris was only a few weeks away from being safe! With her vaccine letter arriving two days after her death. If you are offered the vaccine, please take it, do not refuse it. Doris didn’t get this choice.”
Lillian has also set up a page to raise money for the Beacon Centre, a charity close to Doris’ heart, in her memory.
Paying tribute to Doris, Piers said: “What a wonderful lady, who led a wonderful life and kept up that extraordinary personality and enthusiasm and zest for life right til the end, but listen to what the family said. Just a few weeks away from being vaccinated, but sadly for Doris it was too late.
“Grateful Lil is still with us. All our hearts go out to you and to your family and we’re so glad you managed to come through this and we wish you all the very best with your recuperation.”
Piers also shared the news with his followers on Twitter, calling Doris a “delightful lady”.
In a Facebook update earlier this month, Lillian and Doris revealed they had contacted coronavirus despite “sticking to the rules” and spending most of their time indoors.
They wrote: “We are both in shock... we have been inside for most of 2020 sticking to all the rules and being careful, now this has happened and we can’t work out why or where we’ve picked it up from.
“We are writing this hoping we can save people from getting this horrible virus, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take this seriously – Covid is real and it’s affecting so many lives across the world... don’t let it affect yours or your families.”
The sisters won the nation’s hearts with their naughty sense of humour during their GMB appearance.
“I want to know,” Piers asked, “Which one of you is my fan and which one isn’t?”
Lillian gave a thumbs-up to the camera, while Doris told him: “I still like you, Piers!”
And when he asked the pair what the secret to long life is, Lillian pointed at her sister and suggested: “Plenty of sex, Piers!”