Naga Munchetty has expressed her sorrow at the loss of her BBC colleague George Alagiah, who died while she was live on-air.
On July 24, it was revealed that Alagiah had died at the age of 67 from stage four intestinal cancer.
In a statement, his agent Mary Greenham told PA that he was surrounded by his family and loved ones as he died ‘peacefully’, stating: ‘George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.’
Her statement continued: ‘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.’
Munchetty, who was hosting BBC Radio 5 Live at the time, seemed as if she was on the edge of tears as she broke the news to her listeners, her voice tearing up as she paid tribute to Alagiah.
‘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,’ she said.
‘We’ve just heard the news he has died [aged 67]. We’ve just heard that from his agent,’
As Munchetty became choked up, the BBC Breakfast presenter said: ‘Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our news room.
‘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.’
In 2014, Alagiah stated that he was undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer.
However, four years later, he revealed that his health had been certified terminal, and that he was given a 10% chance of survival over the following five years in 2018.
Alagiah, who has been the primary presenter of BBC News at Six since 2007, stated in October 2021 that he would be taking a sabbatical from work since the disease had progressed.
Following his first diagnosis, the late presenter had 17 rounds of chemotherapy and multiple procedures, including the removal of a big portion of his liver.
Later, he discovered that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and lungs.
On social media, Dan Walker and Jeremy Vine were among the media figures who paid respect to Alagiah.
‘How sad to hear about the death of George Alagiah. Incredibly well respected and loved both inside and outside the BBC. I hope his family know he inspired a lot of people with his courage ❤️,’ wrote Walker.
‘I never met anyone who didn’t love George Alagiah. He was compassionate, totally switched on, and really funny,’ Vine penned.
‘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.’
Fiona Bruce described Alagiah as a ‘rare thing’ for being both ‘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,’ she said.
‘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.’
Alagiah was married to Frances Rowbotham from 1984. They had two sons together, Adam and Matthew.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
Source My Celebrity Life.