BBC newsreader George Alagiah has died aged 67
BBC newsreader George Alagiah has passed away at the age of 67.
Alagiah - who worked for the BBC for over three decades - passed away today (24 July) - his death confirmed by his agent.
The BBC News at Six presenter and author of A Passage to Africa and A Home from Home was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014.
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Alagiah's agent released a statement earlier today to announce the 67-year-old's passing.
The statement reads: "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."
The BBC has also released a statement in light of Alagiah's passing.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie noted how 'incredibly sad' everyone at the broadcasting company was to hear the news and that they're all 'thinking of his family at this time'.
He continued: "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."
Alagiah became a fixture on British TV news and presented the BBC News at Six for the past 20 years.
Tributes for the much-loved journalist and presenter - who received an OBE for his services to journalism in 2008 - have been flooding in on social media.
One Twitter user said: "Such sad news. I grew up watching George Alagiah on BBC News At Six and he inspired me to get into journalism. RIP George, such a talented broadcaster and respected news presenter."
Another commented: "Growing up, when the BBC’s George Alagiah was on TV my dad would shout 'George is on!'. We’d run to watch the man who inspired a generation of British Asian journalists.
"That scene was replicated across the U.K. We thank you, George. RIP."
A third said: "One of the finest newsreaders we ever had. His whole demeanour was one of gentleness and compassion, a man of impeccable moral fibre, who showed such humility and courage around his diagnosis. Things we could all… learn from."
And a fourth user resolved: "Very sad to hear the news of George Alagiah's passing. A much loved, well respected journalist and presenter - he's been a timeless figure on the news throughout many of our lives. Thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
Topics: BBC, TV and Film, Health, UK News
Poppy Bilderbeck