George Alagiah's wife collects posthumous award as his BBC co-star pays tribute

02 November 2023 , 20:30

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George Alagiah's wife collects posthumous award as his BBC co-star pays tribute

There were emotional scenes in London this evening as BBC News presenter George Alagiah was remembered and honoured for his services to journalism.

George passed away at the age of 67 in July, following on the BBC’s longest-serving newsreaders spending the last decade living with bowel cancer prior to his death. Politicians, Alagiah's BBC colleagues and broadcasters from other channels all paid tribute to the inspirational star as the news of his passing broke earlier this year.

Now, almost four months on from his heartbreaking death, George has been celebrated and recognised posthumously by his peers, with his wife Frances Alagiah collecting a Services To Journalism award on behalf of her husband at the 2023 Ethnicity Awards this evening. BBC newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti had earlier penned a touching tribute to her beloved late colleague George, which was included in the event programme.

Reeta Chakrabarti described the late BBC journalist as a 'trailblazer and an icon' in the moving tribute (@reetacbbc/Twitter)

The moving tribute from Reeta reads: "For those of us of a certain age, growing up addicted to news and current affairs, who saw so few television journalists who looked like us, George Alagiah was a trailblazer and an icon. Although the industry still has many diversity challenges, our TV bulletins now regularly feature journalists of colour.

"But in the 80s and 90s, it was a different story. Our role models comprised four people – Sir Trevor McDonald, Moira Stuart, Zeinab Badawi, and George. And it was George whom I most wanted to emulate – he made broadcasting look so easy, so natural. He had the rare gift of being able to turn complicated stories into clear and relatable television, with an on-screen warmth and charm that made him instantly charismatic.

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"Not for nothing was his nickname Gorgeous George. I remember particularly his stint as the BBC’s Southern Africa correspondent, where his deep knowledge and affection for the continent was apparent in all his reporting. Mine was one of those families where someone would call “It’s George!” whenever he came on the news. Having a Sri Lankan who came from Ghana representing the BBC in Africa felt like a momentous breakthrough for those of us watching at home.

George collecting his OBE with his wife and their two sons Adam and Matt (PA)

"When I first met George in the late 1990s, I confess I felt completely overawed. But he was with me as he was with everyone, friendly and interested, without a hint of grandness. Over the years he was a source of advice and encouragement, and as he grew into his role as an elder statesman of the newsroom, he led efforts made by a group of us – which included Clive Myrie, Mishal Husain and myself – in ongoing meetings with the BBC Director General about trying to make our workforce more diverse.

"George faced his illness with a fortitude typical of him, and although we in the newsroom knew how sick he was, his death was a terrible collective shock. As we gave over our coverage that day to tributes to him, we did so with deep admiration, profound sorrow, and many tears.

"We miss him and everything about him: his wisdom, his support, and his wicked sense of humour about life’s absurdities. George Alagiah – a giant of his profession and through his grace and decency, an inspiration to us all."

George's death was announced on July 24, with the journalist's agent telling PA News Agency: "I am so terribly sorry to inform you that George Alagiah died peacefully today, surrounded by his family and loved ones. 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. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family."

Following the statement from George's agent being released, 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."

Zoe Delaney