Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away
BBC journalist and newsreader George Alagiah has sadly passed away at the age of 67.
After a gruelling nine years of battling bowel cancer, a statement from his agent has confirmed that the respected journalist died “peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones”.
“George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public,” she said.
“He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family.”
The agent added that Alagiah passed away on Monday, but “fought until the bitter end”.
Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014 and by October 2022, the disease had spread further.
The beloved journalist was a prominent figure on British TV with an “outstanding” career spanning over three decades.
He was an award-winning foreign correspondent for BBC News, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq, before he became a presenter for BBC News at Six in 2003.
Tributes have poured in for the respected newsreader from fellow journalists and colleagues.
“A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find,” BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson tweeted.
“Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time,” BBC director general Tim Davie said.
“He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously,” he added.
“We loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend,” BBC One O’Clock news presenter Clive Myrie told viewers.
Another colleague, Naga Munchetty, broke down in tears live on air while reporting about his death.
“Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our newsroom,” she said.
Alagiah is survived by his wife Frances and their two sons Adam and Matthew.
Image: Getty