LEGENDARY BBC newsreader George Alagiah has tragically died aged 67 after his long battle with bowel cancer.
Veteran journalist George - who gained plaudits for his coverage in Rwanda in the 1980s and became known for his humanist style of presenting the news - was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and underwent intensive treatment.
The BBC's 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."
Read our George Alagiah blog below for the latest news and tributes...
Today, 07:55 By Louis Allwood
What are the first symptoms of bowel cancer?
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes to your normal and going to your doctor is vital.
If you notice any of the signs, don’t be embarrassed – chances are your GP has heard it all before.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Today, 07:55 By Louis Allwood
What are the other signs of bowel cancer?
Other signs of bowel cancer include:
Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain – like doing a number two – but after you’ve been to the loo you’re aged over 50 you have a strong family history of the disease a history of non-cancerous growths, known as polyps, in your bowel long-term inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis type 2 diabetes an unhealthy lifestyle – you smoke, are overweight or obese and do not get enough exercise
Today, 07:30 By Louis Allwood
Jeremy Vine pays tribute
British journalist and presenter Jeremy Vine has paid tribute to George Alagiah following his tragic passing.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “I never met anyone who didn’t love George Alagiah.
“He was compassionate, totally switched on, and really funny. He was one of the best TV reporters there’s ever been, but he had no ego.
“I was lucky enough to work with him in the Johannesburg bureau 25 years ago and I saw the profound care and understanding he brought to every single story and the kindness he showed every single person who crossed his path.
“Above all he loved his family and I’m thinking of them today in their grief.”
Today, 07:00 By Louis Allwood
George interviewed a host of world leaders
George joined the BBC in 1989 where he travelled the world as a foreign correspondent.
He specialised in Africa, covering civil wars in Somalia and Liberia as well as the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago.
The unflappable journalist also interviewed a host of political figures, including Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and ex-Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.
Today, 06:30 By Louis Allwood
Sophie Raworth reveals George Alagiah’s sad last wish
Sophie Raworth revealed one of her late friend and colleague George Alagiah's final wishes in an emotional on-air tribute to him.
The broadcaster, 55, devoted much of last night's News At Six on BBC One to coverage of 67 year-old George's sad death.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
FINAL HOPE Tragic video tribute reveals George Alagiah's last wish weeks before his death
Today, 06:00 By Louis Allwood
What are the first symptoms of bowel cancer?
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes to your normal and going to your doctor is vital.
If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed - chances are your GP has heard it all before.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Today, 05:00 By Louis Allwood
Mark Austin left 'heartbroken'
Sky News anchor, Mark Austin has been left "hear broken" following yesterday's tragic news.
He Tweeted: "This breaks my heart. A good man, a rival on the foreign correspondent beat but above all a friend.
"If good journalism is about empathy, and it often is, George Alagiah had it in spades.
"He understood injustice and the power of good reporting to highlight it, if not correct it…"
Today, 04:00 By Louis Allwood
'He was an outstanding journalist and broadcaster'
Sadiq Khan has taken to social media to pay tribute to George yesterday.
The London Mayor said: "Deeply saddened to hear that George Alagiah has passed away.
"He was an outstanding journalist and broadcaster with unparalleled insight and sensitivity - and his decades of reporting helped break down barriers.
"My thoughts are with his loved ones."
Today, 03:00 By Louis Allwood
What type of cancer did George Alagiah have?
George was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in April 2014.
He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.
George bravely returned to the the BBC News At Six in November 2015 after revealing his treatment was over.
Sadly, the newsreader's cancer returned in December 2017.
George underwent further treatment before again returning to work.
In October, 2021, George took another break after the disease spread to his lymph nodes.
Speaking about his diagnosis last year, he said: "People always ask me how I cope and it's the hardest question…
"The challenge at first was getting my cancer diagnosis straight in my head - despite having so much going for me, a successful career and a loving family, here I was just being told I was dying."
Today, 02:00 By Louis Allwood
Tributes flood in
Tributes have flooded in on social media following the tragic news.
Taking to social media Martin Lewis said: "Much respect to George and condolences to his family. Talented man who will be missed."
A second added: "RIP George Alagiah. A true honest journalist who always had my respect."
Today, 01:00 By Louis Allwood
Who is George Alagiah’s wife Frances Robathan?
Frances Robathan is the wife of the former BBC News at Six presenter George Alagiah.
She was born in 1960 in London.
Frances was the Senior Partnerships Adviser of the Fairtrade Foundation, where she worked for 18 years since 2002.
She also held the position of Head of Programme Partnerships and Head of Institutional Fundraising at the Foundation.
Frances went to Durham University, where she met her husband.
Today, 00:00 By Louis Allwood
When did George move in to presenting?
George moved into presenting in 2003 when he co-hosted the 6pm news bulletin alongside Natasha Kaplinsky.
He then fronted the show solo from 2007 when Natasha left.
In 2008, George was made an OBE in the New Year Honours.
Today, 23:00 By Louis Allwood
When did George join the BBC?
George joined the BBC in 1989 where he travelled the world as a foreign correspondent.
He specialised in Africa, covering civil wars in Somalia and Liberia as well as the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago.
The legendary journalist also interviewed a host of political figures, including Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and ex-Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.
Today, 22:00 By Louis Allwood
What awards did George win?
George Alagiah won awards for reports on the famine and war in Somalia in the early 1990s.
He was nominated for a Bafta in 1994 for covering Saddam Hussein's genocidal campaign against the Kurds of northern Iraq.
He was also named Amnesty International's journalist of the year in 1994, for reporting on the civil war in Burundi, and was the first BBC journalist to report on the genocide in Rwanda.
Today, 21:00 By Louis Allwood
George Alagiah’s tragic last post revealed
BBC Newsreader George Alagiah shared a heartbreaking final post weeks before his death.
The 67-year-old died of Bowel Cancer on Monday, his agent said.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
GEORGE'S WISH George Alagiah's last post revealed after BBC legend dies of bowel cancer
Today, 20:30 By Louis Allwood
What had George said about his cancer diagnosis?
Speaking about his diagnosis last year, he said: "People always ask me how I cope and it's the hardest question…
"The challenge at first was getting my cancer diagnosis straight in my head - despite having so much going for me, a successful career and a loving family, here I was just being told I was dying."
Today, 20:00 By Louis Allwood
George 'fought until the bitter end'
George's agent confirmed he had passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family and loved ones.
She added: "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."
Today, 19:30 By Louis Allwood
George's role at the BBC
George Alagiah was well known by the British public after appearing on TV for more than three decades.
He was well known for presenting the BBC News at Six programme for the past 20 years.
Before that, he was an award-winning foreign correspondent, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq.
Today, 19:00 By Louis Allwood
George Alagiah's was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014
Sri Lanka-born George was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in April 2014.
He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.
George bravely returned to the the BBC News At Six in November 2015 after revealing his treatment was over.
Sadly, his cancer returned in December 2017 and he underwent further treatment before again returning to work.
He took another break in October 2021 after the disease spread to his lymph nodes.
Today, 18:30 By Louis Allwood
BBC full statement
In a statement issued today, 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."
Today, 18:00 By Louis Allwood
Naga Munchetty bursts into tears as she learns of George Alagiah’s death
Naga Munchetty burst into tears as she learned of George Alagiah's death live on air.
It was revealed today that the 67-year-old BBC journalist had died after a battle with bowel cancer.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
sad loss Naga Munchetty bursts into tears as she learns of George Alagiah's death on air
Today, 17:30 By Henry Moore
What are the first symptoms of bowel cancer?
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes to your normal and going to your doctor is vital.
If you notice any of the signs, don’t be embarrassed – chances are your GP has heard it all before.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Today, 17:00 By Henry Moore
Jeremy Vine pays tribute
British journalist and presenter Jeremy Vine has paid tribute to George Alagiah following his tragic passing.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "I never met anyone who didn’t love George Alagiah.
"He was compassionate, totally switched on, and really funny. He was one of the best TV reporters there’s ever been, but he had no ego.
"I was lucky enough to work with him in the Johannesburg bureau 25 years ago and I saw the profound care and understanding he brought to every single story and the kindness he showed every single person who crossed his path.
"Above all he loved his family and I’m thinking of them today in their grief."
24th Jul 2023, 16:30 By Henry Moore
Who is George Alagiah's wife Frances Robathan?
The veteran broadcaster leaves behind his wife Fran, their two sons and three grandchildren.
George and Fran were married for 40 years.
Their oldest son is Adam, who was born in 1988.
Four years later in 1992 George and Frances had another boy, this time they called their son Matthew.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
GEORGE'S BOYS A look at the lives of the late George Alagiah's sons
24th Jul 2023, 16:00 By Henry Moore
How did George Alagiah die?
On July 24, 2023, George's agent confirmed the tragic news.
His agent confirmed George passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones, following a battle with bowel cancer.
She added: "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."
Load more entries…