A Manchester attack victim had tickets to a US chat show this week — so they kept a chair empty in his memory

pulse

May 31, 2017 11:54 AM

Martyn Hett was due to attend the New York recording of 'Wendy' for two consecutive days.

US talk show 'Wendy' kept an audience chair empty in memory of Manchester attack victim Martyn Hett, who had tickets to watch the programme live this week.

A visibly emotional Wendy Williams paid tribute to Hett on Tuesday, telling viewers that the 29-year-old was due to attend the New York recording of the show for two consecutive days.

"Oh my God, this is so crazy," she said. "He was supposed to be in our 'Wendy' audience yesterday and today. He saved for two years to have a fabulous time in New York and come to our show."

Williams said she spoke to Hett's "best girlfriend" to run the tribute by her. "She was floored," Williams said. "So Martin, we are keeping that chair open. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family."

Watch Williams' tribute here:

She is not the only US star to reflect on Hett's death. He was a huge Mariah Carey fan and the American singer said she was "devastated" to hear of his death. "We will cherish your memory forever. His family and all the families affected are in my thoughts and prayers," she said in an Instagram post.

Hett's brother, Dan, has been frank about his death. He said on Twitter that Hett would have enjoyed the attention that came with being caught up in the attack.

Hett was one of 22 victims of the Manchester Arena suicide bombing last week. Some 116 others required hospital treatment after the blast, with 17 still requiring "critical care," according to an update on Tuesday.

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