Heartbreaking moment BBC newsreader announces George Alagiah death live

George Alagiah: BBC News announce death of presenter

George Alagiah’s colleague had to report on his death during Monday’s “heartbreaking” instalment of BBC News which was broadcast at midday.

Speaking directly to BBC viewers at home, newsreader Lucy Hockings said: “Now to some heartbreaking news for the BBC and the wider world of broadcasting journalism.

“George Alagiah, one of our most highly-respected and much-loved presenters has died.

“He was 67 years old and had been battling bowel cancer since 2014.”

She continued: “George won many awards with a hugely successful career which took him from southern Africa and many other parts of the world.

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“For those of them who worked with him here at the BBC and also elsewhere, what we will remember most about him was that he was thoroughly decent, unfailing kindhearted and he was always so generous.”

She then invited viewers to look back on the presenter’s life as part of the programme.

George joined the BBC in 1989 and he was soon reporting live from the world’s troubled spots.

He covered war, hunger, and genocide and saw the worst happening on the planet throughout his career.

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The Sri Lanka-born journalist was the face of BBC One’s News At Six since 2007.

A statement released on Monday from Mary Greenham read: “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.”

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She added: “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.”

George leaves behind his wife Frances Robathan and his sons Matthew and Adam.

A statement from the BBC’s 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.”

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