24 July 2023 , 16:54
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Broadcaster George Alagiah has died of cancer aged 67, but the broadcaster revealed he found "contentment" in his cancer diagnosis.
One of BBC's longest-serving journalists, George Alagiah died nine years after receiving his cancer diagnosis.
The star was open about his health after his diagnosis in April 2014 of stage four bowel cancer, which had spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
Alagiah underwent two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations for treatment, returning on and off to his news anchor role at the BBC. The Sri Lanka-born journalist made his last appearance onscreen back in October 2022, before taking a break from his position on BBC News at Six to endure further cancer treatment.
The star has been open about his experience of cancer, revealing he found "contentment" at one point.
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George Alagiah has died of cancer aged 67 (BBC)Speaking in an episode of his podcast, In Conversation with George Alagiah: A Bowel Cancer Podcast in 2020, the broadcaster described his battle with cancer as reaching "contentment".
He said: "When I was diagnosed at 58 – and cancer, as you know I'm sure, is as much in the head as it is in the body in dealing with it.
"Over a period of a few months, you think about it and so on. I kind of got to the place I call it a place of contentment.
"What I mean by that is I thought, 'yeah I'm 58, I've got a great career, I've got a lovely family, I've done lots of things, I started my journey in a small house in Colombo Sri Lanka without a toilet and look where I am now'. So I got to this place on contentment."
The presenter has presneted BBC's News at Six since 2007, before needing to break for chemo treatment on and off since 2015George's agent confirmed his passing with a statement which said he "died peacefully today, surrounded by his family and loved ones".
They added: "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 shared his thoughts on the BBC journalist, as he said: "Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.
The BBC news anchor was last seen on screen in October last year (PA)
The journalist earned an OBE from the Queen in 2008 (PA)"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."
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Clive Myrie, presenting the BBC News at One, said: "On a personal note, George touched all of us here in the newsroom, with his 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."