My Mother, Your Father contestant Roger reveals his beloved wife of 31 years “fell asleep and never woke up” after discovering a cancerous spot behind her ear while on a family vacation
The star of ITV’s new dating show My Mum, Your Dad captured the hearts of a nation after telling the heartbreaking story of how he lost his wife to cancer just 18 months ago.
Roger, 58, a postman, stole the show in last night’s episode on a first date with single mum Caroline when he told how his wife Joanne, 52, fell asleep on the sofa and never woke up.
In an emotional clip, Roger, who had three children with Joanne, told Caroline on their date: “We were on holiday in Italy and I just looked behind her ear and it annoyed her – just a little spot behind her ear.”
“I said, ‘You need to get this checked out when you get back,’ and she did. She was examined very quickly and it was melanoma. But she didn’t know that by that time the cancer had already invaded her brain.’
And speaking about his late wife on ITV this morning, he explained she wanted him to find someone new: “She was perfect.” “Sending a message and she’s still controlling me… it didn’t surprise me, too hear what she said.”
On his first date in 40 years, he told Lorraine: “I think I was very lucky that it was Caroline. She kept me going because I was very nervous.”
Tragedy: Roger married his late wife Joanne (pictured), an intensive care nurse, in 1992, but his partner died aged 52
Not ready for love: During an appearance on Lorraine on Tuesday, Roger said: “I knew I wasn’t.” [ready].’ Pictured: Roger with his daughter Jess
Emotional: Roger left fans in tears after revealing his late wife fell asleep on the sofa and never woke up
Roger continued: “She said, ‘I’m really tired,’ and I said, ‘Come on, I’ll put you to bed, or do you want to go to the sofa?’, and she said, ‘Put me on the sofa”. Then I arrive about half an hour later and of course I should have called an ambulance straight away.”
Caroline, moved to tears by the story, replied: “But you wouldn’t have known.”
Roger said: “She had breast cancer about three or four years ago and she’s overcome that before.”
Roger had admitted that he wasn’t ready to date when he first joined the show.
The dad was nominated to appear on the show by his daughter Jess, who joins seven other singles as he tries to find love.
Compassion: Caroline (pictured) was reduced to tears on her first date with Roger after he revealed his wife fell asleep on the sofa and never woke up
Heartbroken: Widower Roger (pictured) moved viewers to tears as some said he was not ready for love following the death of his wife 18 months ago
Support: Your Mum, My Dad viewers have taken to Twitter to share their love for Roger, who lost his wife to cancer
New Show: The series, which premiered last night, follows a group of middle-aged single parents (pictured with their children) as they head to a romantic retreat to find love again
During an appearance on Lorraine on Tuesday, Roger said: “I knew that wasn’t the case.” [ready]. I loved it and think I’m getting a little better as time goes on. It was difficult, but I couldn’t pass it up.’
Roger’s story touched fans of the show as they expressed their support for the widower on social media.
One person wrote on Twitter: “It’s only the first episode and I already want nothing but the world for Roger, HUG THIS MAN. #MyMumYourDaddy.”
Another wrote: “Aw Roger… What a true gentleman, big heart and the nation loves you. “I think we all want to jump through the telly and give him a hug.”
A third said: “Brought me over the edge… So hard for him.”
A fourth wrote: “Poor Roger and family.” His daughter said this was a way of giving him permission to meet someone. It’s not permission he needs, it’s time he’s not ready.”