BBC newsreader George Alagiah has been remembered as “one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation” after his death at 67.
The award-winning journalist, who presented the BBC News at Six for the past 20 years, died on Monday following a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.
On hearing of his passing, BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.
“George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly.
“He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.”
Question Time presenter Fiona Bruce said Alagiah was “that rare thing – a first-rate journalist and an all round lovely human being.”
She added: “Integrity and decency shone through him. That and a mischievous sense of humour with an endearing giggle.
“I remember his 60th birthday party, surrounded by his wonderful family and his glamorous sisters like so many birds of paradise. It was an intimate family affair and I know George counted his blessings to be there with the people he loved so much.
“He fought with all he had to stay with them as long as he could. We loved him in the newsroom and we – I – miss him so much.”
Meanwhile, Naga Munchetty burst into tears live on BBC Radio Five today when she heard the news. She said: “We’ve had the very sad news that our colleague George Alagiah, BBC presenter – you all know him – who has been living with bowel cancer since 2014 – he has since stepped back from presenting BBC News.
“We’ve just heard the news he has died aged 65. We’ve just heard that from his agent.
“Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our news room.”
Clive Myrie also struggled with his emotions during a news bulletin on BBC One. He said: “George touched all of us here in the newsroom with his kindness and generosity, his warmth and good humour.
“We loved him here at BBC and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend. His spirit, strength and courage in the later years of his life are something his colleagues can be so proud of. Journalism has lost a giant.”
John Simpson said: “Deeply, deeply sorry to hear about dear George Alagiah. A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague would be hard to find. I loved having his company in the BBC World Affairs Unit, and his progress after that was a pleasure to watch.”
Deeply, deeply sorry to hear about dear George Alagiah. A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find. I loved having his company in the BBC World Affairs Unit, and his progress after that was a pleasure to watch.
— John Simpson (@JohnSimpsonNews) July 24, 2023
Nick Robinson, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, also paid tribute, saying: “George was a brilliant journalist, a lovely man and an inspiring example to all fighting serious illness. His friends will miss him deeply.”
Former BBC correspondent Jon Sopel added: “Tributes will rightly be paid to a fantastic journalist and brilliant broadcaster – but George was the most decent, principled, kindest, most honourable man I have ever worked with. What a loss.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by news of Alagiah’s death.
He said: “A much-loved face of BBC News for decades, George will also be remembered for his brilliant, fearless journalism as foreign correspondent. He rightly won awards for his evocative, boundary pushing reporting. British journalism has lost a talent. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Comedian Sue Perkins said: “What a trailblazer. What a calm, steadfast presence at the helm. What a legend. Rest in peace.”
Tributes will rightly be paid to a fantastic journalist and brilliant broadcaster - but George was the most decent, principled, kindest, most honourable man I have ever worked with. What a loss. https://t.co/SxfRs6FOsc
— Jon Sopel (@jonsopel) July 24, 2023
Alagiah’s death was confirmed on Monday morning by his agent Mary Greenham. She said: “George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.
“George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public. He simply was a wonderful human being.”
Alagiah was born in Sri Lanka. He joined the corporation in 1989 and spent many years as one of its leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting.
He was often a specialist in Africa and covered the civil wars in Somalia and Liberia as well as the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago.
Throughout his career he interviewed central political figures, among them former South African president Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and ex-Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.
He was nominated for a Bafta in 1994 for his coverage of Saddam Hussein’s genocidal campaign against the Kurds of northern Iraq and was was named Amnesty International’s journalist of the year in 1994 for reporting on the civil war in Burundi.
He first began hosting the 6pm news bulletin in early 2003, but stepped up to front it solo four years later following the departure of his co-host, Natasha Kaplinsky.
After his diagnosis Alagiah endured two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.
Deeply saddened by the news of George Alagiah’s passing.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 24, 2023
A much-loved face of BBC News for decades, George will also be remembered for his brilliant, fearless journalism as foreign correspondent. He rightly won awards for his evocative, boundary pushing reporting. British…
He returned to work after his treatment was over but the cancer came back and spread, leading to him taking breaks from the studio while he received treatment.
Before joining the BBC, Alagiah worked as a print journalist and went on to write a number of books including A Home From Home, which looked at what it means to be British.
Throughout his illustrious career, he also presented other shows such as Mixed Britannia, looking at the UK’s mixed-race population.
He was made an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Frances Robathan, their two sons and three grandchildren.
