Loose Women star addresses son's tragic death - 'My gut has been wrenched out'

Brenda Edwards has opened up about her son's heartbreaking death - more than three years on from the tragedy.

The X Factor star, 56, lost her son Jamal in February 2022 when he passed away at the age of just 31 following a cardiac arrest. She joined Coleen Nolan, Kelly Brook and Sunetra Sarker on Tuesday's edition of the ITV chat show and opened up about his loss three years prior.

The lunchtime ladies were discussing the new ITV true crime drama I Fought The Law, which stars Sheridan Smith as Ann Ming, a woman who who battled for 15 years to see her daughter Julie's killer brought to justice after he was initially acquitted.

READ MORE: READ MORE: Loose Women's Brenda Edwards shares heartbreaking tribute to late son on birthday

READ MORE: READ MORE: Loose Women's Brenda Edwards reveals emotional reason she wears blue after tragic loss

In a candid confession, Brenda, who is also mother to Tanisha, 27, from a previous relationship, admitted that she 'still feels empty' to this day and 'can't explain' exactly how she feels amid her ongoing grief.

She said: "I don't know if I've said this on here before but when Jamal passed, I literally felt like my gut had been wrenched out and it still feels empty. There's a massive hole and I can't explain it."

Last week, Brenda took to Instagram to share a picture of Jamal wearing a black cap, looking into the distance to remember her son on what would have been his birthday. She penned: “On your first birthday, I took you to Notting Hill Carnival.

"Today as Carnival falls on your actual 35th birthday, me and Nishee will be going to the Carnival to celebrate you! I miss you so much, your smile, your laugh, your positivity, everything about you.

“You have been with me holding my hand and guiding my steps that I take in your name. So I’m gonna party hard in your honour as I celebrate you my beautiful baby. I love you Jamal now and always. Come on,” the ITV personality concluded with a blue heart emoji.

Brenda’s followers flocked to the comments section to post blue heart emojis in homage to the much-loved star as well as messages of support to the family.

One person expressed: “Oh Brenda. Sending you such heartfelt love, I cannot imagine your grief. May the happy memories with your Jamal in that carnival atmosphere bring you and your family comfort and light as you celebrate his heavenly birthday today. He is with you always.”

Another fan said: “You are in my thoughts today Brenda and family. Happy heavenly birthday to your boy Jamal,” while somebody else commented: “Sending love to you and your daughter.”

A fourth well-wisher added: “Thinking of you. Hope you find comfort in enjoying your day like Jamal would want you to. Celebrate his life, bless you.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.