Susanna Reid celebrated her 20th year on morning television on Wednesday, and she made sure to pay respect to her late co-host Bill Turnball.
The renowned TV host died quietly at home in September, surrounded by his loved ones, five years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer for the first time.
During Wednesday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, Charlotte Hawkins informed Susanna, 52, that they had received a flood of letters congratulating her on her remarkable achievement.
Charlotte told the veteran presenter: ‘Lots of people are getting in touch with congratulatory messages Susanna. Twenty years in breakfast television.’
She went on: ‘Andrea says: “Congratulations Susanna on your milestone. You’ve brought such warmth, honesty and care. Thank you. Wishing you ongoing success. Keep on challenging professionals and making them accountable. Bill was a wonderful, decent human being”.’
Responding to Andrea’s sweet message, Susanna said: ‘He really was. I started with Bill and it’s a real shame not to be able to celebrate with Bill.’
The star went on: ‘I’d love to be able to text him this morning and talk to him about that. He was absolutely brilliant. Luckily, I’m surrounded by other brilliant people, so thank you very much indeed for being with me on the journey.’
Susanna was among the first to pay homage to Bill after his death last year.
She tweeted at the time: ‘Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything. But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much.’
Announcing Bill’s death in September, his family said in a statement: ‘Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP.
‘He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.’
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.
Source My Celebrity Life.
