Linda McDermott says this is 'worst year of my life' after losing 'beloved' husband

Linda graced the airwaves of Liverpool Live Radio with her debut show yesterday evening, beaming through the statement: "I am so pleased to have your company back on the radio."

Waxing lyrical about the upcoming clock change, she added: "The clocks go back next weekend and it's time to go back under the duvet and you'll find it's pretty chummy under that duvet but there's lots of warmth on the way and pretty fantastic people on the way, sailing back onto the airwaves at Liverpool Live".

As the show continued – now a regular Sunday night slot from 10pm to 1am – Linda shared how it took much convincing for her return to broadcasting after suffering immense personal loss, the passing of her husband Johnny Kennedy. Overflowing with gratitude, she conveyed her appreciation: "Thank you for all of the words of encouragement, beautiful messages of support, and kindness to me, not only tonight, but over the past few months, because it's been the worst year of my life, losing John, Johnny Kennedy, the legend, my awesome, beloved husband."

She reflected on what spurred her comeback: "It's taken a lot of persuasion and a lot of pressure, gentle, but relentless, to get me back on air. But radio is my happy place, that little box that connects people all over the in one big conversation. What could be better than that."

The news was trumpeted by Liverpool Live Radio earlier this week via their social channels announcing: "'STOP THE PRESS' It is a new show alert! Linda McDermott joins the team at Liverpool Live with her legendary "Under the duvet club"! Starting this Sunday night 10pm – 1am, Only on Liverpool Live Radio'", reports .

Several fans expressed their excitement on social media, with one user stating: "This makes sense, people from around the world listened to her, listening figures will go through the roof," Fellow former radio broadcasters Roger Lyon, Frankie Connor, and Billy Butler MBE also shared their joy at Linda's return to broadcasting. All three host shows on the same station.

Linda's husband Johnny, originally from Everton, passed away on January 24 at the age of 88. He was best known for his work on Radio City, but his voice was also heard on Dune FM, Wirral Radio and River Radio.

In addition to his radio career, Johnny was a singer and comedian, gracing some of the country's biggest stages, including the Liverpool Empire and London Palladium, and even compèring for The Beatles. After a career shift to teaching, Johnny returned to the entertainment industry in the 1980s, becoming a beloved Radio City presenter.

His 'Bride of the Week' feature is still fondly remembered. Johnny was laid to rest on Wednesday (February 14) at Francis Xavier's Roman Catholic Church on Salisbury Street, Everton, with hundreds in attendance. Linda reflected on the remarkable career and accomplishments of her beloved husband.

"It's the 13th of June 1963, and five talented likely lads from Liverpool are being driven in a van to perform at the Offerton Palace, Stockport and Manchester Southern Sporting Club. The van rounds the corner and is suddenly besieged by hundreds of screaming girls."

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