The former Manchester United manager was joined by BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst as he opened up about his late wife on a poignant anniversary
The former Manchester United manager was joined by BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst as he opened up about his late wife on a poignant anniversary
News
Angie Quinn Senior Journalist
09:36, 22 Dec 2024
BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst sat down with football icon Sir Alex Ferguson on Sunday (December 22) for a moving interview, marking one year since the passing of his late wife Lady Cathy Ferguson.
Lady Cathy, the wife of the ex-Manchester United boss, died in October 2023 at their Cheshire residence.
Sir Alex, now 82, first crossed paths with Lady Cathy in 1964 while they were both employed at a typewriter factory. The couple tied the knot in 1966. He has often described her as ‘the key figure throughout my career’.
After an illustrious football career, Sir Alex is collaborating with a charity that uses music to aid individuals coping with dementia, reports the Express. In his BBC Breakfast feature, he curated a playlist reflecting significant moments in his life and included a song in homage to Cathy.
Nina remarked: “Let’s listen to this track though because I think this one that you said reminded you of Cathy.”
READ MORE: BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst offers viewers rare glimpse into off-screen life with confessionREAD MORE: BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty drops ‘pedant’ warning as she corrects co-star
As ‘My Own True Love’ from the original soundtrack of Gone with the Wind played, Alex appeared deeply touched. Reflecting on the tune, he recalled: “When I went to see Gone with the Wind I was only 21 or 22, we were courting at the time.”
Nina then asked: “How’s life now without Cathy now after all of those decades together?”, as Sir Alex replied: “Well 50 years is a long time. She was a great wife and a fantastic mother, great grandmother.”
Probing further, Nina inquired: “The person behind your success?” mentioning, “I once read that she was the most important influence.”
Alex affectionately chimed in: “Oh yes, the leader of the band.”
BBC Breakfast airs every day from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer
