Celebrity MasterChef star Eric Underwood's mum dead
Celebrity MasterChef 2026 contestant Eric Underwood lost his mum just over a week before he appears on the BBC cookery competition.
Celebrity MasterChef 2026 star Eric Underwood's "heart is broken" as his beloved mum has died.
The 42-year-old ballet dancer lost his "greatest love" on August 16, describing her as his "heart" and "safe place" in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram the following day.
Eric posted a shot of him holding his mum's hand as she lay in bed, as well as pictures of her over the years, with the caption: "There are no words for this pain or the emptiness I feel!
"Last night, I lost my mom, my everything.
"She was my heart, my safe place, and my greatest love. I will carry her with me forever. Until we meet again, Mama!"
The model continued: "My heart is broken, and having our family and friends beside us would mean everything.
"If you’d like to join us as we say goodbye to my mom this Thursday here in Rutherfordton NC please message me or my sister @sweetangie2182 for the details."
Eric's husband Harry Briggs paid tribute to the close bond they had in the post's comments section.
He penned: "You were everything to her, my love. You have been the most amazing son, and I’m sure she was only ready to slip away once you were there beside her. So many tears and hugs.
"She is in a place without pain now."
Eric's followers expressed their condolences underneath the upload, as pop star Pixie Lott, 35, penned: "Sending so much love to you Eric, your mama must be so proud of you (sic)."
This Morning host Dermot O'Leary, 53, typed: "So sorry Eric xx (sic)."
One supporter reacted: "There is no worse pain in the world. What a beautiful mama and woman she was. Sending love (sic)."
A second supporter commented: "Oh I am so so so very sorry. May her memory be a blessing. Wishing you strength as you grieve (sic)."
And a third follower said: "Darling Eric - So sorry for you loss - I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Much Love (sic)."
Eric's heartbreak comes just over a week before he appears on Celebrity MasterChef on August 25 at 9pm.
Joining him in the kitchen are Gladiators' Emily "Dynamite" Steel, 23, EastEnders alum Nitin Ganatra, 59, Celebrity Big Brother 2025 star Donna Preston, 40, and YouTube star Tom Simons, 22, also known as TommyInnit.
