Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died on the age of 66 after a protracted battle with prostate most cancers, his household has stated.
They stated the presenter and journalist died “peacefully” at residence in Suffolk on Wednesday, surrounded by his household following a “challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer”.
Turnbull had introduced his battle with the illness in 2018, following his analysis the earlier 12 months.
Turnbull detailed his most cancers therapy in 2019 Channel 4 documentary Staying Alive.
Poignantly, his analysis with prostate most cancers had coincided together with his filming of a star version of The Great British Bake Off – in help of the charity Stand Up to Cancer.
He had acquired therapy from Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, in addition to latterly St Elizabeth Hospice. His household praised his care, in addition to the assist of pals, colleagues, and followers.
Highlighting his openness about each his analysis and therapy, they added: “It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.”
A number of stars paid tribute to the broadcaster, together with a tearful remembrance by present BBC Breakfast hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty dwell on air.
Sian Williams, who spent greater than a decade internet hosting BBC Breakfast alongside Turnbull thanked him for the “laughter and friendship”, tweeting: “Goodbye, Billy. The kindest, most beneficiant of presenters.
“A wonderful friend for 30 years. And a man devoted to his family. All thoughts and love with them. You will be so, so missed.”
Another of his former BBC Breakfast co-hosts, Susanna Reid, additionally paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.
“But above all, he was dedicated to his household and I’m heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you a lot.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “Bill was a a lot beloved and revered broadcaster and journalist – not simply by viewers however by all these fortunate sufficient to have labored with him.
“He always struck the right tone, no matter what the story. Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”
Journalist John Simpson, entrepreneur Lord Alan Sugar, and quiz present presenter and creator Richard Osman had been amongst others to pay their respects.
Turnbull started his broadcast profession at Scotland’s Radio Clyde in 1978, earlier than becoming a member of the BBC as a reporter for the Today programme in 1986. He turned a reporter for BBC’s Breakfast Time two years later.
In 1990, he turned a correspondent for BBC News and reported from greater than 30 international locations. A four-year stint as Washington correspondent noticed him cowl notable tales together with the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the OJ Simpson trial.
After shifting again to the UK, he turned one of many principal presenters on BBC News 24 (because it was beforehand referred to as). He additionally labored for BBC Radio 5 Live, together with presenting Weekend Breakfast.
Joining BBC Breakfast in 2001, he co-hosted with Sian Williams for 11 years, till the programme moved from London to Salford as a part of BBC plans to shift output away from the capitol.
He then co-anchored alongside Susanna Reid, with the pair presenting collectively till 2014, when Reid left the present to affix ITV.
A favorite with viewers, Turnbull fronted the present till 2016, additionally presenting alongside journalists together with Kate Silverton, Natasha Kaplinsky and Louise Minchin.
Away from BBC Breakfast, Turnbull introduced Songs of Praise and recreation present Think Tank.
Competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 alongside skilled Karen Hardy, Turnbull was the seventh movie star to depart the present.
He additionally appeared on ITV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Through The Keyhole; the BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind, Would I Lie To You?, Pointless Celebrities and Room 101, and in dictionary nook for Channel 4’s Countdown.
He performed himself in 2011 Doctor Who episode The Wedding Of River Song.
A eager beekeeper, Turnbull printed his e book – The Bad Beekeepers Club – charting the ups and downs of an apiarist, the identical 12 months.
In October final 12 months, Turnbull introduced he can be taking a go away of absence from his present on Classic FM for well being causes.
In the assertion, his household stated: “Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster who brought warmth and humour into people’s homes on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM.
“He was additionally a faithful Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper.
“Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.”
He leaves behind his spouse Sarah – often known as Sesi – and three youngsters, Henry, Will and Flora.
Source: information.sky.com”