Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid paid an emotional tribute to a D-Day hero live on air this morning, as part of a double death announcement on the ITV show. 

The telly host, 54, honoured war hero Ronald Butcher, as well as Hollywood star Robert Redford, as she was joined by co-host Richard Madeley on Wednesday morning.

Following the morning news round up, which featured American President Donald Trump‘s visit to the UK, the programme paused to acknowledge the two deaths.

D-Day fighter Ronald a decorated Merchant Navy sailor, passed away just days after taking part in an 85th anniversary event marking the Battle of Britain in Norfolk.

He passed away at the age of 98 on Monday at home with family.

While actor and director Robert, who was behind the creation of the Sundance Film Festival, died Tuesday morning at the age of 89.

Susanna Reid paid an emotional tribute to a D-Day hero live on air this morning, as part of a double death announcement on the ITV show

The duo paid tribute to D-Day veteran Ronald Butcher, who passed away on Monday

The presenting duo also paid tribute to Hollywood legend Robert Redford, who passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday morning

Susanna told viewers: ‘I want to pay tribute to an extraordinary man, hero, D-Day Veteran Ronald Butcher, who has passed away at the age of 98.

‘Earlier this year, just before VE-Day, Ronald spoke about dealing with trauma from the battlefield once the Second World War was over, fighting the memories, even in his sleep.’

Footage was subsequently broadcast of Ronald opening up about there being no assistance available at the time for him to handle the trauma he experienced following his wartime service.

He revealed his time in the forces had frequently led to nightmares where he was transported back to the battlefield, which Susanna noted would suggest he suffered from PTSD throughout his life.

Co-host Richard, 69, then paid tribute to Hollywood star Robert.

The ITV star continued: ‘Talking of RIPs, we say goodbye to Robert Redford, who has been part and parcel of the fabric for so many people’s cinematic lives as far as I can remember.’

The Oscar-winner died in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Utah, USA, The New York Times reported.

The announcement of his death was made by Cindi Berger, the chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK.

The Oscar-winner died in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Utah, USA

The actor began directing later in life and won an Oscar for Ordinary People in 1980

Redford was one of the top Hollywood leading men for decades, appearing in blockbusters such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men.

His first big break came in 1963, when he starred on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, which he would later reprise.

He often starred alongside many of Hollywood’s leading ladies at the time, like Barbra Streisand in The Way We Were in 1973, and Jane Fonda in the 1967 film, Barefoot in the Park.

The actor began directing later in life and won an Oscar for Ordinary People in 1980.

He founded the nonprofit Sundance Institute in 1981, which became a staple in the arts world for years to come.

In 1984, he transformed a struggling film festival into what’s now known as The Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, Utah.

It was a home for budding filmmakers to make a statement, famously featuring directors like Quentin Tarantino, Ava DuVernay, James Wan, and Darren Aronofsky.

The festival also became a place to showcase documentaries that involved serious topics, about things like climate change and reproductive rights.

Robert, who starred in more than 50 films throughout his career, founded the nonprofit Sundance Institute in 1981

He also continued to act later in life, as he played Bill Bryson in A Walk In The Woods in 2015, and John Gage in 1993’s Indecent Proposal.

Throughout his career, Redford won countless awards and accolades, and in 1981, he won an Oscar for Best Director for his part in Ordinary People.

His 1994 movie, Quiz Show, was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director at the 1995 Oscar Awards.

Redford also won multiple Golden Globe Awards, including Best Director for Ordinary People in 1981.

In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Redford as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is America’s highest civilian honour.

Redford was married to historian Lola Van Wagenen from 1958 to 1985, and they shared four children together – sons James and Scott Anthony Redford, and daughters Amy and Shauna Redford.

Sadly, his son James passed away in 2020 after a battle with bile duct cancer, while Scott passed away at only ten weeks old, from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).