'i loved him'
Clive Myrie fights back tears as he pays tribute to ‘friend and mentor’ George Alagiah on BBC News
CLIVE Myrie fought back tears during a touching tribute to his "friend and mentor" George Alagiah.
BBC News presenter's voice cracked as he told viewers of his 67-year-old colleague's death.
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Veteran journalist George was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and underwent intensive treatment.
Clive, 58, bravely went on air to announce his close friend had lost his health battle.
"On a personal note, George touched all of us here in the newsroom with his kindness and generosity, his warmth and good humour," said Clive.
"We loved him here at BBC news - and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend.
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"His spirit, strength and courage in the later years of his life is something his family can be so proud of.
"Journalism has lost a giant."
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.
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BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty, 47, burst into tears as she learned of George's death live on air.
Naga was in the middle of broadcasting her BBC 5 Live radio show when she learned the news.
The audibly upset presenter interrupted a sports bulletin on BBC Radio Five just after midday on Monday.
She said: "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.
"We've just heard the news he has died aged 67. We've just heard that from his agent."
As her voice continued to break, she 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."
Later in the show, Naga was still emotional as she spoke of her love for George.
She said: "Our beloved colleague, George Alagiah, BBC News reporter, established reporter and correspondent, presenter who whenever he delivered the news you knew you were in safe hands.
"He was a voice we trusted and he was someone I can personally say I loved, he supported me greatly..."
She then had to swallow hard to try and keep her emotions in check as she continued: "Throughout my career...apologies for the emotion in my voice but I do think this will be reflected in our newsroom and our thoughts of course primarily go out to those who loved him dearly and his family."
In a statement confirming George's death, his agent said: "George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.
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"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."
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