‘He would have been gobsmacked’: Michael Mosley’s widow on outpouring of love

TV doctor Michael Mosley would have been “gobsmacked” at the outpouring of affection for him following his death, his widow, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, has said.

Dr Bailey Mosley was speaking about her late husband’s life and the messages of support she has received since he died of natural causes last month aged 67, after going missing on the Greek island of Symi while on holiday.

Her interview is part of the BBC’s Just One Thing Day on July 12 where the broadcaster is honouring his career across radio and TV.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “He would have been gobsmacked. He didn’t seek the limelight. He was quite shy, but loved what he did, and was very good at it.”

Dr Bailey Mosley added that she had been left “breath-taken” by the reaction from people across the country and around the world.

She hailed the “incredible” support from their children, saying: “I can’t tell you how much support they’ve given me and joy as well at really difficult times.

“And family and friends, and to be honest just I’m still kind of breath-taken by the response from people around the country, across the world, and it’s just extraordinary.

“He was quite a sort of quiet, humble man, and to have that sort of response is just extraordinary, and I hope we can find some really positive changes going forward.”

The BBC’s Just One Thing Day is named after the late doctor’s popular BBC Radio 4 podcast where he revealed tips to help improve your wellbeing.

The day will encourage presenters and the audience to take up one new healthy habit by introducing easy routines or simple swaps into their daily life.

Speaking to the Today Programme, Dr Bailey Mosley said: “The response – people really love him, you know … I’ve got a list of lovely quotes that people say, which are just so touching, and so caring.”

“One of the main things was that people felt they really knew him, that they lived in his kitchen and knew what he was cooking.

“It was very sort of trusting and kind of weirdly intimate.

“It’s just been so uplifting, and I’m so grateful for that. And it’s just so incredible that he has made such a difference to people. I’m so proud of what he’s done.”

Mosley is credited with popularising the 5:2 diet, a form of intermittent fasting, through his book The Fast Diet, and he often pushed his body to extreme lengths during his research into health and wellbeing.

He first trained as a doctor in London before moving into the world of media, becoming a presenter, documentary maker, author and columnist.

During his career he presented a host of science programmes and films including the BBC series Trust Me, I’m A Doctor, which looked at healthcare in Britain, and hosted BBC Radio 4 podcast Just One Thing.

Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, who is a GP and health columnist, and her husband worked together on many projects over the years including writing a book and several cookbooks.

BBC Radio 4’s Today show will feature anecdotes from those who have changed their lives as a result of Mosley’s tips and on Woman’s Hour host Anita Rani will reflect on the impact the TV doctor has had on her life with a focus on the benefits of exercise.

The Food Programme will showcase former Just One Thing topics ranging from eating oily fish to the benefits of turmeric, while Front Row will celebrate how listening to music or playing an instrument can bring a sense of calm.

TV shows Morning Live and The One Show, where Mosley was a regular contributor, will join in celebrating his legacy.

Just One Thing Day is taking place across the BBC on July 12.