FINAL HOPE
Tragic video reveals George Alagiah’s last wish weeks before his death as Sophie Raworth gives emotional on-air tribute
AN EMOTIONAL video tribute shared by the BBC yesterday revealed George Alagiah's final wishes following his death at age 67.
Broadcaster Sophie Raworth, 55, devoted much of yesterday's News At Six on BBC One to coverage of George's sad death.
5
5
5
In a touching video of George, he discussed his diagnosis, his battle with bowel cancer and his feelings about his friends, family and work.
During the programme Sophie shared a personal anecdote about the last time she saw him and what he told her, revealing one of his last wishes.
Sophie said: "I saw him just a few weeks ago. He told me he had hoped to come back to work one last time to say thank you and goodbye, right here, live on air in the studio.
"He didn't get the chance, so we have done it for him. I will leave you now with George Alagiah in his own words."
read more on George Alagiah
Sophie appeared to be pinching her hand as she read the autocue in a bid to stop herself from becoming emotional during the broadcast.
Sophie also recalled: "20 years ago George and I launched the new Six O' Clock News together back in January 2003. He was a foreign correspondent at heart, that was his passion, but he felt enormously proud and privileged to be presenting the BBC's evening news and he loved it.
She continued: "He loved being in the newsroom being part of the team, and he made a good cup of tea as well. We all adored him, he felt a real connection with the audience too.
"After he was diagnosed with cancer just over nine years ago, he received thousands of letters and messages from people who wrote to him as it they knew each other, strangers who spoke to him as a friend. He was really touched by your support.
Most read in TV
"George was a man of great values and indomitable spirit, a big smile, a velvety laugh, a great friend."
The show closed with the film made by George were he discussed his bowel cancer battle in his own words.
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 following his cancer spread.
His agent confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Monday 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".
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The director-general added: "He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity."
5
5
Topics