‘The best mum’: Davina McCall’s grandmother has passed away at the age of 98

Davina McCall has shared the sad news that her grandmother has died.

Taking to social media, the TV star posted a loving tribute to her grandmother, ‘Pippy’, who passed away on Monday at the age of 98.

Describing her beloved grandmother as ‘the matriarch’ of her family and, ‘the glue that kept us all together’, Davina described how her ‘role model’ was not just a great grandma, but, ‘a great mum , sister, auntie…and a loving and loyal friend.’

Sharing a photo of her grandmother with an emotional tribute Davina wrote, ‘Our lovely Pippy died peacefully in her sleep on Monday at 98 years old She was the matriarch of our family. The glue that kept us all together .’

Our lovely Pippy died peacefully in her sleep on Monday at 98 years old She was the matriarch of our family. The glue that kept us all together . She was like a mother to me… and a rock for so many people in their times of need. It’s thanks to her I’ve been raising money for @actionmedres for 41 years , she was a fantastic role model . She was strong, kind, funny, cuddly, clever and she loved music and singing . She was a great mum , sister, auntie, grandma , and a loving and loyal friend . She was phenomenally intuitive…she could really read people.. and used to say « pippy knows » and she did ! ❤️ anyone that’s read « lessons » will know how special she was … love you Pippy ❤️

A post shared by Davina Mccall (@davinamccall) on Jun 15, 2018 at 12:26am PDT

‘She was like a mother to me… and a rock for so many people in their times of need.’

The 50-year-old fitness enthusiast also revealed that Pippy was the reason she has supported Action Medical Research for over four decades. The charity funds vital ground-breaking medical research for children and babies.

#Repost @actionevents This was SUCH a good day – thank you to everyone who took part ❤️ ・・・ If you haven’t already seen some photos of Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride… 😁 #cycling #cycle #bike #bikes #bikestagram #outsideisfree #sussex #charity #dogood #fundraise #fundraising #thankyou

A post shared by Action Medical Research (@actionmedres) on Jun 14, 2018 at 7:09am PDT

‘She was strong, kind, funny, cuddly, clever and she loved music and singing . She was a great mum , sister, auntie, grandma , and a loving and loyal friend’ Davina continued.

‘She was phenomenally intuitive…she could really read people.. and used to say « pippy knows » and she did ! ❤ anyone that’s read « lessons » will know how special she was … love you Pippy.’

After hearing Davina’s sad news, the star’s followers, friends and fans were quick to share heartfelt messages of condolence with the presenter.

Davina’s friend, fellow TV star Holly Willoughby, shared a supportive message for the mum-of-three, commenting on the photo of Pippy, ‘Oh Davina, I’m so sorry, you always said such lovely things about her…hope you’re ok, sending you huge amounts of love xxxx’