Denise Van Outen put on an emotional display as she attended the Women’s Football Awards just hours after the devastating news of former TOWIE star Jake Hall’s death in Spain aged 35.
The TV favourite, who has narrated The Only Way Is Essex since its launch in 2010, admitted she was left “really really shocked” after learning of Jake’s tragic passing. Despite her heartbreak, Denise still stepped onto the red carpet with a smile for the high-profile event.
Looking elegant for the evening, the 51-year-old wore a stunning white and pink floral corset gown with a flowing maxi skirt, completing the glamorous look with layered pearl necklaces.
Speaking emotionally at the event, Denise said: “I’ve worked on the show since it started and with any loss within our TOWIE family it is heartbreaking.
“But he was so lovely whenever I saw him out and he was so friendly and so talented.
“I really feel for his family, my thoughts go out to them, and it is just really sad and he was way too young to go.
“I do wonder what TOWIE will do, I think they’ll do a tribute as they’ve lost a few people recently. I was just really really shocked when I saw it.”
Denise was joined by a host of glamorous stars at the ceremony, including broadcaster Gabby Logan, who wowed in a sleeveless satin gown with wrap detailing, and Carol Vorderman, who showed off her slimmed-down figure in an all-black ensemble paired with striking leopard-print heels.
During the ceremony, Carol delivered an emotional speech celebrating the rise of women’s football, telling nominees: “Warrior women one and all and doing it on your terms without apology.”
She added: “I know I will cry tonight with the joy you goddesses give so much, please keep us all smiling as the years go on.”
Elsewhere, Gabby Allen turned heads in a lace-back corset outfit while football pundit Jamie Carragher looked sharp in a black tuxedo.
The glamorous evening came against the backdrop of heartbreak following Jake Hall’s sudden death at a holiday villa in Majorca. Spanish police reportedly found the reality star lying in a pool of blood with fatal head injuries believed to have been caused by shattered glass after an apparent accident involving a glass door.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the tragedy, with no arrests made.
Jake leaves behind his young daughter River, whom he shared with former partner Misse Beqiri. In a statement released through representatives, Misse said her focus is now on “supporting and protecting their child” during the “devastating loss.”
Meanwhile, Jake’s close friend and former TOWIE co-star Vas J Morgan shared a heartbreaking tribute online, describing Jake as “a long lost brother” and saying: “35 years old is far too young… I just wish we had more time.”
