Classic FM is set to broadcast a special tribute programme this weekend to its much-loved presenter Bill Turnbull, who sadly passed away on Wednesday August 31.
Remembering Bill Turnbull will be broadcast on Saturday 3rd September, from 10am to 1pm - in what would have been Bill’s usual programme – and will be presented by his Classic FM colleague Aled Jones.
The three-hour programme will feature some of Bill’s favourite classical music, including William Lloyd Webber’s Serenade for Strings, The Humming Chorus by Puccini, Mozart’s Così fan Tutte and The Armed Man by Sir Karl Jenkins, along with a number of his favourite film and television themes, including Band of Brothers, Inspector Morse, Brideshead Revisited and Thunderbirds.
The show will be interspersed with personal tributes and messages from other broadcasters who knew him best, as well as his fellow Classic FM presenters and his many listeners who enjoyed his company on the station. It will also include some of Bill’s on-air highlights from his shows on Classic FM too.
The special programme will also help continue Bill’s legacy to raise awareness of prostate cancer and encourage more men to get themselves checked.
Much-loved presenter Bill died at the age of 66 earlier this week after a 'challenging' five year fight with prostate cancer.
The presenter, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, was diagnosed back in 2017 and went public with his battle the following year.
Bill's heartbroken wife Sarah, known as Sesi, released a statement read out on BBC Breakfast on Thursday, paying tribute to Bill as they announced he had passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk on Wednesday.
An emotional Naga Munchetty read: "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 they shared some wonderful moments.
"Although Bill was often in pain, he was dignified and brave throughout and he was his usual determined self right until the very end. He made us laugh everyday. We are immensely proud of him. He was the heart of our family. It's hard to imagine life without him."
The family also spoke about Bill's brave cancer battle: "Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP," they said.
“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.
"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."
Bill is survived by his wife Sarah and three children sons Henry, 33, and Will, 32, and daughter Flora, 31.
Remembering Bill Turnbull – Saturday 3rd September, 10am to 1pm, on Classic FM – available across the UK on 100-102 FM, on Global Player, DAB digital radio and TV and at ClassicFM.com.
