Channel 4 Sunday Brunch stopped minutes in as Tim Lovejoy shares 'tragic news'

Sunday Brunch presenter Tim Lovejoy brought the programme to an abrupt stop shortly after it began, as he delivered some "tragic news".

The television favourite made his comeback on our screens this Sunday (6th July) morning with co-host Simon Rimmer, as they invited a host of celebrities into the renowned kitchen.

But just a few minutes into the broadcast, Tim paused to pay tribute to Diogo Jota. The Liverpool footballer was tragically killed in a car crash, with the devastating news breaking less than two weeks following his nuptials.

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In the wake of the tragedy, fans have been sharing their deep sorrow, prompting Tim and Simon to dedicate Sunday Brunch's opening segment to the late sportsman, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Addressing the audience at home and those present in the studio, Tim said: "Before we get on with the show, there has been some really tragic news this week about Diogo Jota, and being a Liverpool fan..."

Simon interjected: "It's shocking. Pete and I were talking in makeup. A human tragedy, a 28-year-old man, who has just got married and had two young children. I think the way in which the football community has come together is very very powerful."

Directing the conversation towards Peter Hooton, one of the day's guests, Simon asked: "What do you think Pete?"

The singer, a devoted Liverpool supporter, expressed: "The way people have rallied round. It's an absolutely devastating thing for everyone, for the family, for Liverpool fans and just football in general. You can see that with the Club World Cup, with all the tributes in America."

Former footballer Stuart Douglas confessed: "I couldn't believe it when I saw it and it just overshadowed everything and that became more important than anything else."

He elaborated: "More important than the World Cup, more important than the Euros because someone has lost their life and for the brothers I cannot imagine how his family are feeling. It's so sad."

Tim chimed in with a heartfelt message: "Yes, thoughts go out to their family."

Tragically, the 28 year old and his brother were involved in a fatal car crash in Spain, with the Guardia Civil stating: "The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking."

They added: "It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire, and the two occupants were killed."

Sunday Brunch airs from 10am on Channel 4 every Sunday