Earlier today, news emerged that legendary BBC newsreader, George Alagiah, had died at the age of 67.
Alagiah, who was one of the BBC’s longest serving and most respected journalists, died following a nine year battle with cancer.
Alagiah, was a household face on television for over three decades, and had presented on the BBC News at Six for the past 20 years.
The journalist was also an award winning foreign correspondent who reported from Iraq and Rwanda, won awards for his reports on famine and war in Somalia, and was nominated for a Bafta in 1994 for his journalism on Saddam Hussein’s genocide against the Kurds in northern Iraq.
The BBC confirmed the news of Alagiah’s death, writing:
“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.”
Following the heartbreaking news, tributes began pouring in for Alagiah online, however one on-screen tribute makes for a very hard watch, as Alagiah’s friend and co-worker, Clive Myrie, fought tears speaking about his former friend.
Clive had worked with Alagiah for many years and as he began speaking about his old friend, his voice began to break. Like the true professional he is, Myrie fought through the sadness and read: “On a personal note, George touched all our lives with kindness and generosity. His warmth and good humour… we loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend.
“His spirit, strength and courage he showed in the later years of his life are something his family can be so proud of. Journalism has lost a giant.”
Back in 2014, Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. In 2020, Alagiah said that the cancer had spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes, but was not at a ‘chronic’ or ‘terminal’ stage.
Last October, Alagiah announced that his cancer had spread further and he took a break from TV to undergo a new series of treatment.
Alagiah leaves behind a wife and two children.
Rest in peace.
