Legendary newsreader and journalist for the BBC George Alagiah has died aged 67.
After a nine-year-long battle with cancer, a statement from his agent confirmed he 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.
Watch the latest News on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>
“He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family.”
Alagiah died early on Monday, but “fought until the bitter end”, his agent said.
He was diagnosed in 2014 with stage four bowel cancer and by October 2022 it had spread further.
Legendary newsreader and journalist for the BBC George Alagiah has died aged 67. Credit: BBC
A prominent figure on British TV news for more than three decades, Alagiah had presented the BBC News at Six for the past 20 years.
Before that, he was an award-winning foreign correspondent, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq.
Tributes have since flown through for the beloved newsreader.
“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.”