By Jessica Sansome
Tom Fletcher and Giovanna Fletcher have announced that their family's "had to say a final goodbye" to their cat Leia.
The news was shared by I'm A Celebrity winner Giovanna, 39, on Instagram this week. She tagged her husband Tom, 38 - who's just been announced as a new judge on the Voice UK \- in the post that was uploaded on Wednesday.
Giovanna shared photos of Leia in the recent post and paid tribute in the caption. Among the photos were ones of the feline with members of the family, which includes Tom and Giovanna's children Buzz, nine, Buddy, eight, and Max, five.
She announced: "This morning we had to say our final goodbye to our beautiful, dopey and loving Leia who has been with us for nearly 17 years. She has seen us through so many of life's transitions and has been a constant companion on our sofa - especially if she got a whiff of your chocolate.
"Leia was a true hero of a cat. When Marvin got sick years ago he needed an urgent blood transfusion. As it was the middle of the night no blood donors could be called (cat blood cannot be stored and instead needs to be transferred instantly), so Leia became a donor. Turns out she'd just purr her way through, enjoying the fuss from the staff around her. She remained a donor for a few years - until she had kidney failure and needed the help of a donor herself."
The author added: "Leia always had so much patience and love for the kids. She never moaned at being constantly picked up. She never grumbled when they'd pop her on sledges and then take her for a ride. In fact I'd say she had a 'what are these fools doing now,' attitude about the whole thing."
Giovanna continued by writing in the caption of the post: "When we moved a few years ago it was like she'd become 10 years younger. She had a newfound love for the outdoors and loved watching - she was always ready."
"Navigating death with little ones is certainly heartbreaking. There's been wailing, there's been pacing, and there's been talk of a memory box. Princess Leia - you have given us so much love. You were so loved. We love you," she concluded.
Tom shared his own post on the platform, writing alongside some photos of Leia: "Today we had to say goodbye to a beautiful member of our family, our cat Leia…or to use her full title - Princess Leia. I feel so lucky that we got to be the humans that shared almost 17 years of our lives with her.
He continued: "Not only was she an awesome companion for us, helping to teach our kids about how to be compassionate and caring with animals, she also gave blood a number of times to save other cats lives. What a hero! Thanks for all the cuddles Leia, I’ll miss you on the pillow."
The comments section of Giovanna's post was quickly filled with messages of love and support for the family. Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown said: "Oh my darling I'm so sorry. I know Princess L was a very special girl for you all."
One person responded to the post: "Sending you all so much love at this heartbreaking time, it's such a huge loss losing a furry family member. Leia sounds like a truly amazing girl." As stated by the Manchester Evening News, someone else wrote: "Awh gi and Tom and kids I am so sorry for your loss."
Another fan is said to have replied: "Sending you all so much love at this heartbreaking time, it's such a huge loss losing a furry family member. Leia sounds like a truly amazing girl." Whilst one is quoted as saying: "Oh no! I'm so sorry. Thinking of you all."
The news comes just days after it was announced that Tom has joined the judging panel on the Voice UK. He will appear alongside his McFly bandmate Danny Jones, becoming the first duo to share a judging chair on the ITV show.
LeAnn Rimes has also joined the show as a judge, whilst both Will.i.am and Tom Jones return following their roles on previous series of the Voice UK. The line-up changes come after Olly Murs and Anne-Marie left the show.
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