2GB host Ben Fordham breaks down on-air after family tragedy

2GB‘s Ben Fordham has broken down in tears during his show this morning while announcing a family heartbreak. Listen to the tribute.

2GB host Ben Fordham broke down in tears on-air on Thursday morning while announcing the tragic passing of his father-in-law Ross Speers at the age of 75.

The radio broadcaster was overcome with emotion as he recalled losing the father of his wife, Channel 7 news presenter Jodie Speers, to cancer on Tuesday.

“I wanted to share with you some personal news, and that is that my wife Jodie’s dad, Ross, passed away on Tuesday night,” he said.

“Ross has been battling cancer for a number of years, it’s been really bad for a few months, and in the last few weeks he’s been in palliative care and he’s been looked after tremendously.

“He’s had the opportunity to say his goodbyes, we’ve all been in there to say goodbyes, including all of the grandchildren.”

Ben Fordham paid tribute to his father-in-law this morning. Picture: Gaye Gerard/ Daily Telegraph

Ross Speers.

Fordham, who shares three children with Speers – Freddy, six, Pearl, four, and Marigold who turns two in September, said the entire family is devastated.

“When Jodie came home on Tuesday afternoon it was clear from the tears streaming down her face that he didn’t have long to go,” he said.

“My children were amazing because my daughter Pearl ran up to Jodie and gave her a massive hug. My little girl Goldie who’s only a baby, she knew what was going on because she just started saying ‘Papa’, which is what they call him.

Ross had battled cancer for several years.

Fordham and Jodie Speers with their three young children.

“I will pull myself together. I didn’t know how I would explain this because it’s obviously sad.”

Ross, who underwent chemotherapy during his cancer battle, had planned his funeral and requested that Fordham make a speech on the day.

“I’m very thrilled to be doing that,” Fordham said.

Speers was a structural engineer and was involved in creating the cauldron at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Fordham described his father-in-law as a “great bloke” who loved his family.

“He’s got all sorts of achievements to his name as far as his work is concerned but it’s really the bloke he was that’s the standout,” he said.