George Alagiah spoke of 'pain' of cancer fight but found BBC work 'rejuvenating'
BBC newsreader George Alagiah, who has died at the age of 67, continued to work despite being in pain from cancer.
The broadcaster sadly lost his nine-year battle with the disease today, his agent announced.
Despite being in agony and admitting reading the news left him feeling “absolutely knackered”, he said it was one of the things that had kept him going.
Before having to take another break off work as his bowel cancer spread at the end of last year, George said his job gave him a boost to the very end.
He said at the time: “I’ve spent a lot of the last 18 months in extreme pain. There have been times when even lying down makes it worse.
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“By the time I walk out of that newsroom at seven o’clock in the evening, having been there since the morning, I am absolutely knackered physically – but mentally I am rejuvenated.”
BBC newsreader George Alagiah has died from cancer at the age of 67 (PA)The former foreign correspondent added that it was a “tremendous fillip” to be surrounded at work by people who treated him “as they always did”.
The BBC News at Six broadcaster was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and had a tumour by his spine.
After his initial stage four diagnosis he had 17 rounds of chemotherapy, but sadly, the cancer returned in 2017.
A statement from his agent Mary Greenham to the PA news agency confirmed he died peacefully earlier today.
It said: “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.“
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.
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“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.“
George is survived by his wife, Frances Robathan, and two children.
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