George Alagiah: BBC News presenter dead aged 67

It’s understood that George Alagiah’s last appearance onscreen was back in October 2022, before taking a break from his position on BBC News at Six to endure further cancer treatment.

The journalist was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer back in 2014 and had been on and off at the BBC over the years following his heath battle.

In October 2022, his agent Mary Greenham issued a statement on his behalf revealing the star was stepping back from his duties at work.

It read: “A recent scan showed that my cancer has spread further so it’s back to some tough stuff. I’m missing my colleagues.

“Working in the newsroom has been such an important part of keeping energised and motivated. I look forward to being back in that studio as soon as I can.”

READ MORE Heartbreaking moment BBC newsreader announces George Alagiah death live

George returned to BBC News at Six in April of the same year following a previous break which started in October 2021.

At the time of his return, the Sri Lankan-born presenter expressed his excitement about getting back to work as he took to social media to share the news.

He wrote: “I’ll be back in the @BBCNews studio today after months of treatment.

“Pure coincidence – it’s eight years to the day since I was told I had stage four #bowelcancer. So good to be with the News at Six team again.”

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The BBC presenter first joined the BBC in 1989 where he continued his journalism career – in 2007 he became the sole presenter of the Six O’Clock News where he worked until his last appearance.

Following his diagnosis in 2014, the disease spread to his liver and lymph nodes.

In a statement announcing his death, his agent 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.”

Since the announcement of his death, floods of tributes have been pouring in, including BBC Director-General Tim Davie.

He said: “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.”

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