George Alagiah dead at 67: BBC newsreader passes away after bowel cancer battle

BBC newsreader George Alagiah has tragically died aged 67 after a battle with bowel cancer.

The veteran journalist was diagnosed with the disease in 2014 and underwent intensive treatment.

George returned to the BBC News At Six last year after taking time out after his cancer spread.

His agent confirmed he passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family and loved ones.

She added: "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."

Tributes have started flooding in for the BBC News At Six presenter led by BBC chief Tim Davie.

He praised the star as "one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly".

The director-general added: "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."

Sri Lanka-born George was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in April 2014.

He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.

George bravely returned to the BBC News At Six in November 2015 after revealing his treatment was over.

Sadly, his cancer returned in December 2017 and he underwent further treatment before again returning to work.

Speaking about his diagnosis last year, he said: "People always ask me how I cope and it's the hardest question…

"The challenge at first was getting my cancer diagnosis straight in my head - despite having so much going for me, a successful career and a loving family, here I was just being told I was dying."

In his final months, George spent his time highlighting the disease as he urged Brits to get a test kit.

He was forced to take another break from work in October 2021 after the disease spread to his lymph nodes.

While sharing the news, George said: "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."

George joined the BBC in 1989 where he travelled the world as a foreign correspondent.

He specialised in Africa, covering civil wars in Somalia and Liberia as well as the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago.

The unflappable journalist also interviewed a host of political figures, including Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and ex-Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.

George moved into presenting in 2003 when he co-hosted the 6pm news bulletin alongside Natasha Kaplinsky.

He then fronted the show solo from 2007 when Natasha left.

In 2008, George was made an OBE in the New Year Honours.

The veteran broadcaster leaves behind his wife of 40 years Fran, their two sons and three grandchildren.