BBC newsreader George Alagiah dies at 67 after bowel cancer diagnosis
BBC newsreader George Alagiah has died at the age of 67, his agent has announced.
A statement from Mary Greenham to the PA news agency said: “I am so terribly sorry to inform you that George Alagiah died peacefully today, surrounded by his family and loved ones. George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.
"George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public. He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family."
The Sri Lanka-born journalist, the face of BBC One’s News At Six since 2007, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, which had spread to his liver and lymph nodes, in April 2014.
He endured two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.
In October 2015 he announced that his treatment was over and returned to BBC News At Six on November 10.
His cancer returned in December 2017 and he underwent further treatment before again returning to work.
He took another break from studio duties in October 2021 to deal with a further spread of cancer, before returning in April 2022.
In October last year, Alagiah announced he was taking a break from presenting the BBC’s News At Six following another scan.
He said: “A recent scan showed that my cancer has spread further so it’s back to some tough stuff. I’m missing my colleagues. Working in the newsroom has been such an important part of keeping energised and motivated.”
Tributes for the much-loved broadcaster have already begun pouring in online, with one Twitter user, writing: "George Alagiah was a brilliant journalist and news anchor, with a warmth that millions of viewers tuned in for each day.
"He also did so much to raise awareness for symptoms of Bowel Cancer, after his diagnosis in 2014."
Another said: "Really sad to learn George Alagiah has died. He's probably more famous as a newsreader these days, but it was his brilliant reporting from around the world that made him a superstar reporter. Cancer is a b**tard. Huge loss for@bbcnews and no doubt his family and friends."
"Rest in peace, George Alagiah. One of the finest journalists this country has ever seen, an illustrious career spanning over three decades, and an inspiration to countless young broadcasters. Thank you for your service." added a third.
George joined the BBC in 1989 and spent many years as one of the corporation’s leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting.
He first began hosting the 6pm news bulletin in early 2003, but stepped up to front it solo four years later following the departure of his co-host, Natasha Kaplinsky.
He was previously a prominent foreign correspondent, often as a specialist in Africa with coverage of civil wars in Somalia and Liberia as well as the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago.
He was made an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Robathan, and their two children.
A statement from BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.
“George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly.
“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.”
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