ITV newsreader and BBC Wales presenter Nicola Heywood-Thomas has died aged 67, as emotional tributes have flooded in for the 'iconic' presenter who fronted TV screens for over 15 years.
Her former colleague and news anchor Jonathan Hill made the announcement about her death on Wales at Six on Thursday evening.
The mother-of-three had suffered with health problems in recent months according to reports in The Mirror but continued to broadcast up until February.
Jonathan said: "I am afraid we have some very sad news to share with you. Our friend and colleague, former HTV presenter Nicola Heywood-Thomas sadly passed away earlier today.
"We have of course presented many editions of this programme together and she will be greatly, greatly missed by all of us here at ITV Cymru Wales. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time."
Nicola has been a familiar face for Welsh audiences presenting news, current affairs, and arts programmes in a career spanning more than three decades forming an iconic presenting duo with her editor Carolyn Hitt.
Following her work on ITV Wales, Nicola became a consistent voice on BBC Radio Wales, with her editor Carolyn declaring the entire station has been shaken by her sudden departure.
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.”
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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