BBC star Nicole Heywood Thomas dies weeks after final appearance

ITV Cymru Wales pays tribute to Nicola Heywood-Thomas

Nicola Thomas had been suffering with a few health problems recently, but had perservered to stand by her post and continued to work up until two months ago.

The Cardiff-based journalist has been praised as one of ITV Wales’ “most iconic faces”.

Nicola spent over 15 years at ITV Wales as the anchor of Wales at Six, and many of her colleagues have spoken out in tribute.

Nicola’s former Wales at Six co-anchor, Jonathan Hill, announced the tragic news on the show last night.

Following her work on ITV Wales, and its predecessor HTV, Nicola became a consistent voice on BBC Radio Wales, with her editor Carolyn Hitt declaring the entire station has been shaken by her sudden departure.

Carolyn and Nicola formed an iconic duo, becoming two of the biggest voices in Welsh arts coverage for almost three decades.

The editor shared in a Twitter tribute: “A huge loss to Welsh broadcasting. All of us at BBC Radio Wales are deeply saddened at the death of our wonderful colleague & friend Nicola Heywood Thomas.

“An iconic journalist & champion of Welsh arts. Condolences to Nicola’s family – especially her children Tom, Beca and Alys.”

Nicola began her career in news research for BBC Wales straight out of university, working her way up the ranks to become a sub-editor, reporter and presenter for the Wales Today programme.

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She then joined ITV Wales, HTV back then, as a senior reporter and presenter, standing tall as the station’s main female news anchor for 18 years and covered the first ever National Assembly election results.

Aside from her news presenting work, Nicola fronted and produced features and current affair programmes for the station, winning a BAFTA Cymru for her work.

Additionally, Nicola also became a well-known voice on radio throughout her career across multiple programmes and stations across the BBC including Radio Wales, Radio 4 and Radio 3.

The mother-of-three presented what would be her final broadcast on Radio Wales in February.

Tributes poured in across social media as fans, friends and colleagues remembered the late journalist, as Hugh Canning shared: “Devastating news – my oldest friend, Nicola Heywood-Thomas, broadcaster extraordinaire, passed away today.

“We met in my first year at Oxford – 1972 – when she was 16 & I was 18 and we have been friends ever since. I owe her so much. RIP Nicola.”

KevJohnscymru added: “I am so sad at the news that Nicola Heywood Thomas has passed away. Nicola was one of Wales’ finest broadcasters and had a passion for the arts in Wales.

“Sending love, thoughts and prayers to Nicola’s dear family and many friends and colleagues.”

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