BBC stars arrive at George Alagiah's memorial service after tragic death

07 November 2023 , 20:08

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BBC stars arrive at George Alagiah's memorial service after journalist's tragic death (Image: Getty Images)

Many BBC stars paid their respects at beloved journalist George Alagiah's memorial service after he died aged 67 following a battle with bowel cancer.

BBC newsreader George died 'peacefully' at the age of 67 in July after spending the last decade living with bowel cancer. His death was announced in an emotional statement from agent Mary Greenham to the PA news agency. The face of BBC One's News At Six since 2007 was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, which had spread to his liver and lymph nodes, in April 2014.

His memorial service was held at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square, central London, on Tuesday afternoon and the congregation heard reflections on his fruitful career. Former and current BBC stars, the late journalist's wife Frances Robathan - with whom he shares two children - attended the service.

Former colleague and good friend Sophie Raworth read out his own written words at the end of the memorial service. She said: "We end the programme today with George in his own words. If you haven't already told the people you love, that you love them, tell them. If you haven't already told them how vulnerable you sometimes feel, tell them."

Sophie Raworth read out his own written words to the congregation (BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)

"If you want to tell them that you would like to be with them until the front hall stairs feel like Everest, tell them. You never know what is coming around the corner. And if, lucky you, there is nothing around the corner, then at least you got your defence in first," she told the congregation.

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Mishal Husain, Fiona Bruce, and Ms Raworth were among the presenters in attendance at the service. Other presenters at the service included Nick Robinson, Sian Williams, Mark Austin, Natasha Kaplinsky, Fergus Walsh, Simon McCoy, Reeta Chakrabarti and Matthew Amroliwala.

Many presenters, including Sian Williams, were in attendance (Getty Images)

Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence - Prince Anne's husband - was also there (John Rainford / SplashNews.com)

Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence - Prince Anne's husband - was also there. The service was led by Reverend Dr Sam Wells and the service also featured music from the London African Gospel Choir. Following his death, his agent released a statement which read: "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."

His colleagues and friends, including Naga Munchetty and Gary Lineker, were among the many stars to pay tribute to one of the BBC’s longest-serving and most respected newsreaders. George endured two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver. In October 2015 he announced that his treatment was over and returned to BBC News At Six a month later.

Zara Woodcock