Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan have led tributes to late broadcaster Bill Turnbull following his death at the age of 66.
The presenter, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2017 and went public with his diagnosis the following year.
Good Morning Britain host Reid said she was “heartbroken,” by Turnball’s passing, writing: “Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.
“But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much.”
Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) September 1, 2022
But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much. https://t.co/RyfhBoE9O2
“RIP Bill Turnbull, 66,” tweeted Morgan. “One of the best broadcasters in Britain, and such a smart, funny, warm and generous-spirited man.
“Fought his illness with typical stoicism, courage and humour. Bill made presenting live TV look so effortless, which was his great talent. Such sad news.”
Mr Turnbull’s- wife Sarah McCombie, recalled how he made his family laugh every day and that they are “immensely proud” of him.
In a statement, she said: “Our lovely Billy died yesterday evening almost five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
“The last week of his life was very special, as the whole family was with him and we shared some wonderful moments.
“Even though he was often in pain, Bill was dignified and brave throughout, and he was his usual determined self right to the very end.
“Billy made us laugh every day and we are immensely proud of him - he was the heart of our family. It’s hard to imagine life without him.”
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern reacted to Turnbull’s passing, penning: “Absolutely gutted that our Bill Turnbull has passed away.
“A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend. I learnt so much from him. And we had some cracking arguments about how you should pronounce words like ‘poor’.”
Absolutely gutted that our Bill Turnbull has passed away.
— Steph McGovern (@StephLunch) September 1, 2022
A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend….I learnt so much from him. And we had some cracking arguments about how you should pronounce words like ‘poor’🥰
We all loved him💔 #RIPBill https://t.co/sdG2wXCZzg
Adding: “We all loved him #RIPBill.”
Louise Minchin meanwhile hailed Turnbull as a “brilliant journalist”.
Sharing a series of pictures with him from over the years, his former BBC Breakfast co-star wrote: “Sending all my love and thoughts to the family of my funny friend the legendary Bill Turnbull.
“He was a brilliant journalist, a stickler for accuracy, passionate about BBC Breakfast and our loyal audience, and a fabulously supportive and kind team-player.
“Most of all, he was great fun. He made me laugh every day I worked with him and for that I will always be forever grateful. RIP Bill and may the bees fly with you.”
Another former BBC Breakfast star paying tribute was Dan Walker.
He tweeted: “Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. He was full of brilliant advice and it was clear just how loved he was by his colleagues and the audience.
“It was an honour to sit on his sofa.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends,” he concluded.
