Bill Turnbull's devastated former colleagues at the BBC paid an emotional tribute to the broadcaster this morning as it was announced that he has passed away at the age of 66.
TV presenter Bill died on Wednesday, August 31 his family have confirmed and he was surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Suffolk.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, putting up a "challenging and committed" fight against the disease.
Sharing memories of the "brilliant journalist" and friend, an emotional Naga was fighting back tears as she remembered Bill shortly after announcing news of his passing and sent best wishes to his wife Sarah and their family.
She said: "Our friend, our former colleague, breakfast presenter, many of you will be familiar with, Bill Turnbull, who, we've just heard the news, has died after suffering with prostate cancer. Of course all of us here sending love and support to Bill's family and his wife."
Turnbull's incredible career started in Scotland, when he began his studies at Edinburgh University, where he was editor of the student newspaper. He then got his first job at Scotland's Radio Clyde back in 1978. He went on to appear on various radio and TV news shows over the next four decades and quickly became a household name as the presenter of BBC Breakfast.
Naga then paid tribute to Bill's talent and sense of humour and, clearly feeling overwhelmed with emotion, the usually stoney-faced presenter said everyone on BBC Breakfast will "miss him".
Naga went on: "I think after we get over the shock of this we will start remembering the really funny things that Bill did like, just when I presented with him, his energy was amazing. He came in to this programme and through everything at it every single day. He was funny when we sat here on this sofa, he was a brilliant journalist, and he loved this programme and he loved serving you, the audience, so I'm sure you will miss him but we certainly will too."
Co-host Charlie Stayt added: "He was a wise head, he didn't take himself too seriously when he sat here which is a great combination."
Bill's heartbroken family confirmed his death early on Thursday morning with a statement which read: "Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 31. Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP.
"He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.
"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 also a devoted 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."
In 2018, he detailed his cancer treatment for Channel 4 documentary Staying Alive. He later hosted his own show on Classic FM before his departure in October last year.
Turnbull, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. The presenter revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in March 2018, saying he was diagnosed the previous November.
In October last year, he announced he was taking a leave of absence from his show on Classic FM for health reasons. Announcing the news on social media, Turnbull said he was taking "a leave of absence" from his weekend programme, which he had fronted for five years.
He started his broadcast career at Radio Clyde in 1978, joining the BBC as a reporter for the Today programme in 1986 before becoming a reporter for BBC's Breakfast Time two years later. In 1990, Turnbull became a correspondent for BBC News and reported from more than 30 countries, with notable stories he covered including the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the OJ Simpson trial.
After moving back to the UK, he became one of the main presenters on BBC News 24, as it was called back then. Turnbull also worked for BBC Radio 5 Live, including presenting Weekend Breakfast.
He joined BBC Breakfast in 2001 as a presenter alongside Sian Williams and they worked together until 2012 when she departed after the programme moved from London to Salford. The presenter co-anchored alongside Susanna Reid, with the pair presenting together until 2014, when Reid left the show to join ITV, and Turnbull's other co-hosts included Louise Minchin and more.
He made numerous television appearances outside of BBC Breakfast, including as the presenter on BBC One's Songs Of Praise. In 2005, he competed as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing partnered with Karen Hardy, and was the seventh celebrity voted off the show.
Other TV appearances include 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 he appeared in the dictionary corner for Channel 4's Countdown.
In 2011 he appeared in the Doctor Who episode The Wedding Of River Song in which he played himself. His passion for beekeeping led to the 2011 publication of his book The Bad Beekeepers Club, a humorous account of the ups and downs of an apiarist.
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