Former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66, his family has said.
Turnbull, who hosted the show from 2001 until 2016, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2017.
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.
He started his broadcasting career at Radio Clyde in 1978 before moving to the BBC where he covered some of the biggest stories of the past few decades.
He became a household name on BBC Breakfast, even starring in Strictly Come Dancing.
How veteran anchor Bill Turnbull learned his trade in Glasgow
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.”
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has died. He was 66.
He was loved by our viewers. He was loved by his colleagues.
Bill will always be remembered for his warmth, humour and being a brilliant journalist. pic.twitter.com/43h1conEQO— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 1, 2022
Turnbull revealed the diagnosis in March 2018 and detailed his treatment in a Channel 4 documentary called Staying Alive.
In October last year he announced he was taking a leave of absence from his show on Classic FM for health reasons.
Bill Turnbull: Inspiring men to have prostate test ‘the one useful thing I did’
His former colleague and co-presenter, Susanna Reid, described him as “the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business”.
She tweeted: “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.”
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. https://t.co/RyfhBoE9O2
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) September 1, 2022
Former BBC presenter Dan Walker said 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.”
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