Naga Munchetty breaks down after discovering George Alagiah's death live on air
Naga Munchetty broke down in tears live on air after discovering her colleague George Alagiah had died.
The BBC newsreader died on Monday aged 67 after a nine-year battle with bowel cancer, his agent announced. The much-loved journalist was diagnosed with the disease in 2014 and underwent extensive treatment.
It was announced George died peacefully "surrounded by his family and loved ones". BBC Breakfast host, Naga was in the middle of her 5 Live radio show when the news was announced.
She was audibly upset by the news she had to read out to her listeners just after midday. She said: "We've had the very sad news that our colleague George Alagiah, BBC presenter - you all know him - who has been living with bowel cancer since 2014 - he has since stepped back from presenting BBC News.
George Alagiah has died aged 67"We've just heard the news he has died aged 65. We've just heard that from his agent." As her voice continued to break, she said: "Apologies for the emotion in my voice - he was so loved in our news room.
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"We've had that news, we'll bring you more a little bit later, Rebecca apologies for the interruption, you have the rest of the sport."
Later in her show, Naga spoke of her love for her colleague George.
"Our beloved colleague, George Alagiah, BBC News reporter, established reporter and correspondent, presenter who whenever he delivered the news you knew you were in safe hands," she said.
"He was a voice we trusted and he was someone I can personally say I loved, he supported me greatly...Throughout my career...apologies for the emotion in my voice but I do think this will be reflected in our newsroom and our thoughts of course primarily go out to those who loved him dearly and his family."
A statement from Alagiah's agent Mary Greenham to the PA news agency 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."
Clive choked back tears as he paid tribute to the broadcaster (BBC)Tributes have been flooding in for George including from BBC Director-General Tim Davie who 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."
Fellow newsreader Clive Myrie choked back tears as he reported Geroge's death during a bulletin.
He said: 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.
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"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."
Fiona Bruce said George was a 'first-rate journalist' (Daily Post Wales)Fiona Bruce took a moment to remember George as she said: "George was that rare thing - a first-rate journalist and an all round lovely human being.
"Integrity and decency shone through him. That and a mischievous sense of humour with an endearing giggle.
"I remember his 60th birthday party, surrounded by his wonderful family and his glamorous sisters like so many birds of paradise.
"It was an intimate family affair and I know George counted his blessings to be there with the people he loved so much.
"He fought with all he had to stay with them as long as he could. We loved him in the newsroom and we - I - miss him so much."
A string of other BBC stars - past and present - also paid tribute, with Nick Robinson, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, saying: "George was a brilliant journalist, a lovely man and an inspiring example to all fighting serious illness. His friends will miss him deeply."
Broadcaster John Simpson said: "A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find.
"I loved having his company in the BBC World Affairs Unit, and his progress after that was a pleasure to watch."
Former BBC News correspondent Jon Sopel added: "Tributes will rightly be paid to a fantastic journalist and brilliant broadcaster - but George was the most decent, principled, kindest, most honourable man I have ever worked with. What a loss."
And tributes also came in from the political sphere, with Labour leader Keir Starmer saying he was 'deeply saddened' by the news.
He said: "A much-loved face of BBC News for decades, George will also be remembered for his brilliant, fearless journalism as foreign correspondent. He rightly won awards for his evocative, boundary pushing reporting. British journalism has lost a talent. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
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