Popular BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has passed away at the age of 66, after a "challenging" fight with prostate cancer, his family have confirmed.
Bill first began his broadcast career at Scotland's Radio Clyde in 1978, before joining the BBC as a reporter for the Today programme in 1986.
The BBC host then appeared on the Breakfast Time programme in 2001 and worked up until 2016, was diagnosed with cancer back in 2017, reports the Mirror. The presenter waited a year until he went public with the diagnosis, and has been battling it ever since.
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Bill's grief-stricken wife Sesi has released a statement, which was read aloud on BBC Breakfast. The family paid tribute to Bill as they announced he had passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk on Wednesday, August 31 2022.
Presenter Naga Munchetty tearfully 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 every day. 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 online about Bill's brave fight with cancer. They said: "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.
"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."
Following the announcement of Bill's death, tributes flooded in from his friends across the television industry and beyond. Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid, who worked with Bill on BBC Breakfast, shared that she was "heartbroken" over the news.
Susanna said: "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."
Former BBC host Dan Walker stated that it was an "honour to sit on his sofa" on social media. Dan wrote on Twitter: "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's Director-General Tim Davie said: "Bill was a much loved and respected broadcaster and journalist - not just by viewers but by all those lucky enough to have worked with him.
"He always struck the right tone, no matter what the story. Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”
After bringing his prostate cancer diagnosis to the public in 2018, Bill detailed his treatment in a solo documentary on Channel 4, called Staying Alive.
In October 2021, Bill announced he was temporarily leaving Classic FM for health-related reasons. He has been a stalwart in television in the UK, and will be sorely missed by many.
Our thoughts go out to Bill's family, and all who knew him.
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