BBC newsreader George Alagiah dies aged 67 following bowel cancer diagnosis
George Alagiah has died at the age of 67
PA
George Alagiah's agent has announced his death at the age of 67.
A statement from Mary Greenham to PA 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."
George Alagiah speaks to the BBC in 2020 after contracting COVID-19 during his cancer recovery
BBC
The BBC's Director-General Tim Davie also released a statement following news of Alagiah's death.
He said: "Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.
"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 had announced he was taking a break from fronting the BBC News at Six in October last year following the spread of the disease.
He said at the time: "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."
He is survived by his two children and his wife, Frances Robathan.
Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014.
The disease had also spread his liver and lymph nodes.
The newsreader ended up having most of his liver removed as a result and underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy.
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George Alagiah pictured in 2009
PA
His cancer returned in December 2017 after Alagiah had returned to work and forced the newsreader to take another break from the screen.
He returned to the BBC again following treatment but had to take another break between October 2021 and April 2022 due to the spread of the disease.