Caron Keating

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BBCi Former TV presenter Caron Keating has died after losing her battle with breast cancer. The 40-year-old former Blue Peter presenter died on Tuesday night, according to a family friend. Keating, the daughter of television presenter Gloria Hunniford, presented Blue Peter during the late 1980s.

She took time out from television to look after her two sons, but made a return to TV in 1996 with stints presenting ITV1's This Morning. Details of Keating's death were confirmed by family friend Peter Powell, a former BBC Radio 1 DJ and now a showbusiness agent. A statement issued by her family on Wednesday said her death had left an "unfilled void".

The family said: "At 6.15pm last night broadcaster Caron Keating sadly lost her seven-year battle against cancer, a battle that she fought with enormous courage, tenacity and optimism. "She passed away at her mother's home in Sevenoaks, Kent, surrounded by her family."

Born in Northern Ireland, she joined Blue Peter in November 1986 and co-presented with Peter Duncan, Janet Ellis, Mark Curry, Yvette Fielding and John Leslie. During her time on the show she swam with sharks, jumped under a freezing waterfall and abseiled down cliffs and skyscrapers.

Very sad news. I remember her on Blue Peter back in the day very well. I must admit I did not know she had cancer, so has come as quite a shock. Very sad news

There'll be a tribute on today's Blue Peter at 5pm. Very sad indeed.

Sad news, I had no idea she was ill either

This would probably explain why Gloria Hunniford hasn't been on This Morning this week as billed.

I echo the condolences to her family.

This is very sad news indeed, and my sympathys go out to her family, and children.

I was lucky enough to work with Caron at LNN on 'After5' every weeknight for around two years.
All the tributes I've read so far totally reflect the experience we shared. A rare combination of professional presenter and a geuinely lovely lady.
She always took time to say hello and would chat to anybody.

The few of us left at LNN were devistated to hear the news today.

Tragic news, I had no idea she was ill either.

She was one of the Blue Peter presenters that I 'grew up with' and I was shocked to see the news today.

Me neither. I did not know she was suffering from breast cancer. I was shocked when I heard the news announced on the BBC.

I have fond memories of her as a presenter, she was always smiley, spirited and looked extremely comfortable on camera. Her death is a tragic loss and I hope her family are able to remain strong and move on.

My sentiments too. A very sad loss, my condolences go to Gloria and the family.
Rest in peace, Caron, and thank you for brightening up our afternoons on Blue Peter all those years ago. We will miss you.

Truly shocking news. I also had the pleasure of working with Caron when she presented After 5 (LNN). A lovely woman who I know will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

My thoughts go out to her family and friends.

I was only thinking just the other day about why Gloria wasn't on This Morning. Now I know.

This is deeply upsetting news. You guys have only just told me. Oh dear.

How very sad and tragic this news is... she had so much warmth, charisma and professionalism onscreen - a truly beautiful lady. My sympathies go out to Gloria and her family and friends.