BBC Breakfast host's 'heart sinks' as she announces sad news after guest's incurable diagnosis

BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent shared some heart-wrenching news with viewers on Monday morning.

During the latest episode, 54-year-old Sally, who was co-hosting the show with Jon Kay, disclosed that former England Rugby Union Captain, Lewis Moody, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Sally announced: "Now we have some sad news from the world of sport this morning, former England Rugby Union Captain, Lewis Moody, has announced he's been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

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"In a statement he said the news that he has progressive and incurable condition also known as ALS, had been incredibly hard to process and has come as a huge shock to him and his family."

After experiencing some weakness in his shoulder, Lewis, aged 47, and his wife, Annie, were given life-altering news, reports the Express.

In a pre-recorded interview on BBC Breakfast, Lewis revealed: "Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

"I think it's safe to say it came as a fairly sizable shock to all of us. We're rightly quite emotional about it.

"But it's just so strange because I feel like nothing's wrong, you know? I don't feel ill, I don't feel unwell. So yeah, a strange position to be in. We've processed lots of emotions over the last couple of weeks.

"It's never me that I feel sad for, it's the sadness around having to tell my mum, having to tell the boys, I mean, you know, two brilliant boys."

Lewis then battled back tears as he looked back on the devastating moment, saying: "That was pretty heartbreaking wasn't it? We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan, both wrapped up in each other. Then the dog then jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather sweet.

"It was without a shadow of a doubt the most horrible, hardest thing I've ever had to do but I'm really grateful we did it."

Lewis then courageously said: "I feel at ease with it all now, maybe that's shock, maybe that's I don't know, but..." to which his wife, Annie, replied: "It's so typical of you, that's just so Lewis. I'm in awe of you, honestly."

The rugby legend then said: "We know the reality, I want to stay positive."

Following the clip, BBC Breakfast presenter Sally disclosed that she had sat down with Lewis and Annie for a comprehensive interview.

In a piece published on BBC, Sally also revealed her feelings about the conversation.

The host said: "It was a telephone call that I dreaded getting again. A voice at the other end of the line saying there's somebody else in sport, Lewis Moody, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Your heart sinks. You go cold. It's still really jarring and shocking."

Sally continued: "The diagnosis is very recent. It's very new news. It's very fresh in the minds of his wife Annie and their children. And it's also been incredibly quick. At times people with motor neurone disease can wait months for a diagnosis.

"He is really well. He feels well. He doesn't feel ill and he's still this super strong rugby union player. He's the Lewis Moody you think of from England's famous World Cup-winning team of 2003."

Sally further described Lewis as "very mentally strong" and "incredibly positive", adding: "He is going to do all the things he can do to stay as well for as long as he can."

BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.