Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died, his…

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died, his family has said

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died, his family has said. Mr Turnbull, who for 15 years woke up the nation as a presenter on the BBC Breakfast sofa, has died aged 66.

Across a four-decade career, he presented from the front line of British and foreign politics, as well as hosting an array of lighter gameshows and religious programmes. Mr Turnbull started his broadcasting career at Scotland’s Radio Clyde in 1978.

He joined the BBC as a reporter for the Today programme in 1986 before becoming a correspondent for BBC’s Breakfast Time two years later. A spokesperson on behalf of the family said: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, 31 August.

“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.”

Tributes have already begun to flood social media. Taking to Twitter, former co-presenter, Susanna Reid, wrote: "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.?"

Dan Walker, a former BBC presenter, remembered Mr Turnbull, saying it was an “honour to sit on his sofa”. 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.”

BBC broadcaster John Simpson described Mr Turnbull as “charming” as well as being a “sharp reporter”. He tweeted: “Very sorry to hear of the death of my former colleague Bill Turnbull. He was charming and relaxed, and managed to combine being a clever, sharp reporter with sympathetic understanding as an interviewer. And he faced a vicious disease with great courage.”

Former series director for GMB, and now executive director at News UK, Erron Gordon, added: "So sad to hear the news of the brilliant Bill Turnbull passing away. I feel lucky to have directed him for a short time @GMB and witnessed the magic of him and @susannareid100 on screen together. He was a true gentleman. Sending love and condolences to his family & friends #RIP"

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