This Morning expert Dr Uchenna Okoye dies aged 53 after 'sudden illness'

This Morning expert Dr. Uchenna Okoye died aged 53 after a sudden illness on Friday, her family has said.

Tributes poured in for the top dentist whose "sparkle touched the lives of everyone she met".

Dr. Okoye is survived by her seven-year-old daughter, who her family say she "adored".

A post on her Instagram page on Monday read: "We are heartbroken to announce that Dr. Uchenna Okoye sadly passed away after a sudden illness on Friday 15th September 2023.

"We know many of you will be devastated and shocked to see this post.

"We ask for your prayers and some privacy at this difficult time.

"We will be in touch in the coming days."

A statement from those close to her told ITV News: "Well-known, highly respected, and much loved for her warmth, ebullient sense of fun, and meticulous attention to detail, Dr Okoye transformed the sterile world of dentistry, providing a pain-free and fear-free haven where she infused happiness and transformed lives. 

"Her sparkle touched the lives of everyone she met and drew her into stardom on ‘10 Years Younger’ makeover show, followed by ’10 Years Younger in 10 Days’ where her passion and compassion leaps off the screen.

"For the last twenty years, her deep knowledge of dentistry and her incredible chair-side manner made her the ‘go-to’ spokeswoman for any dental issue and a popular contributor to radio, TV, and women’s consumer press. "

Dr Okoye often appeared on the ITV day time show, offering her expert advice on dentistry.

She also starred on Channel 5 makeover show 10 Years Younger in 10 Days.

Away from the small screen, she set up two dental practices where she created a more relaxing "spa" atmosphere for patients.

In 1993, Dr Okoye qualified at the Guys Dental School London and spent two years practicing in Brighton.

She then moved to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, where she treated difficult restorative cases referred by other dentists around the country. 

In 2020, she launched her own oral care range of innovative ‘MySmile’ products, including an award winning premium whitening toothpaste, whitening pen and sensitivity pen. 

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