George Alagiah discusses battling cancer in 2020
The BBC has paid warm tributes to journalist George Alagiah, who has lost his battle against cancer, with director-general Tim Davie describing him as "one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation".
A statement from 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."
Investigative journalist John Sweeney tweeted: "RIP George Alagiah: gracious, funny, brave. A good man."
BBC director-general Tim Davie paid tribute to George Alagiah (Image: GETTY)
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BBC World News Editor John Simpson tweeted: "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."
During his studies at Durham he was the editor of the student paper and a sabbatical officer of the students' union.
John Simpson's tweet (Image: Twitter)
It was there that he met his wife Frances Robathan. The couple married in 1984 and share two sons Adam and Matthew.
A statement from Mary Greenham 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."
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George Alagiah pictured at the Edinburgh Book Festival in 2019 (Image: Getty)
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The Sri Lanka-born journalist, the face of BBC One's News At Six since 2007, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, which had spread to his liver and lymph nodes, in April 2014.
He endured two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.
In October 2015 he announced that his treatment was over and returned to BBC News At Six on November 10.
Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 and spent many years as one of the corporation's leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting.
He first began hosting the 6pm news bulletin in early 2003, but stepped up to front it solo four years later after the departure of his co-host, Natasha Kaplinsky.
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