24 July 2023 , 12:25
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BBC stars including Martin Lewis, Sangita Myska and Christian Fraser have paid tribute to legendary presenter George Alagiah following his death aged 67.
The much-loved journalist died on Monday following a nine-year battle with bowel cancer. A statement from Alagiah's agent Mary Greenham confirmed the said news to the PA news agency in 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." Heartbroken colleagues of the BBC newsreader have been sharing their tributes to George on social media.
George Alagiah was one of the BBC's longest serving newsreaders (PA)Financial journalist and BBC Radio 5 presenter Martin Lewis lead tributes as he wrote: "I saw the hashtag and hoped it wasn't this. Much respect to George and condolences to his family. Talented man who will be missed."
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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."
BBC News senior news correspondent and chief presenter Christian Fraser added: "George was truly one of the nicest, most talented men in broadcasting. Such sad news. He fought so hard, always positive. He was incredibly proud of his family. He told me last year that he wanted to do all he could to spend as much time with them as he could."
Former BBC News correspondent Jon Sopel commented: "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."
World affairs editor of BBC News John Simpson added: "Deeply, deeply sorry to hear about dear George Alagiah. 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 radio presenter Sangita Myska paid tribute to George, by writing: "Growing up, when the BBC’s George Alagiah was on TV my dad would shout 'George is on!'. We’d run to watch the man who inspired a generation of British Asian journalists.
"That scene was replicated across the U.K. We thank you, George. RIP xx."
BBC News North America Correspondent Nomia Iqbal added: "A phenomenal journalist and a great man. RIP." BBC's New York correspondent Nick Bryant said: "Rare in our industry for someone to be so universally loved. There won’t be many dry eyes today in the BBC newsroom. What a beautiful man."
Newsround journalist Tom Burrows also commented: "Several kind and encouraging words from George Alagiah in 2009 gave a slightly lost 20 year old the confidence to continue his journalism degree. He was such a nice man. Very sad news today."
While the corporation's meteorologist Ben Rich wrote online: "George Alagiah was someone I’d always admired professionally. And when I got to work with him on the News at Six it turned out he was just the loveliest man. Kind and encouraging, with such calm authority on-screen. He’ll be sorely missed."
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"Sad news. He was a terrific colleague who bore his illness with bravery," added former BBC reporter John McManus.