Heather Morris shares moving video about loss of Glee co-star Naya Rivera: ‘I have been feeling very heavy’

Actor felt the need to communicate with ‘Glee’ fans following Rivera’s death last month

Heather Morris has shared an emotional video reflecting on the loss of her former Glee co-star Naya Rivera.

Morris, who played cheerleader Brittany in the series, shared the clip on Instagram over the weekend.

She said she had felt a pressing need to connect with Glee fans, a month after Rivera’s accidental drowning in Lake Piru, California.

“I have been feeling very heavy lately. I’ve been feeling this aching in my heart to connect with my fans, to connect with everybody who’s been feeling a little lost, a little confused during this time,” Morris told viewers.

She acknowledged the importance of the on-screen relationship between Brittany and Rivera’s character, Santana, saying it was for many fans a “gateway into your current life” and “an inspiration to become your best self”.

“I want you to know that that was never lost on me,” she added. “It was never lost on Naya. We both knew how special that was.”

Morris shed tears as she further reflected on Rivera and Glee‘s legacy.

“I just know how important our relationship was to you all, and I know a lot of you feel very lost and very far away from what happened, maybe a little bit confused,” she continued.

“...I want to thank you all for being such advocates and so supportive of Santana and Brittany’s relationship, because without you guys it never would have existed.”

She offered words of support to grieving fans, telling them: “I want you to know that we are all here with you, that grief looks different on everybody, and I want you to be gentle and kind to yourself during this time.”

Morris said that she has found solace in writing and talking to her late co-star.

Rivera died aged 33 on 8 July in an accidental drowning after renting a boat with her young son and heading out onto the waters.