Naga Munchetty has expressed her sadness over the death of her BBC colleague George Alagiah, after finding out that he had died while she was live on-air.
On Monday July 24, it was announced that Alagiah had died at the age of 67 after suffering from stage four bowel cancer.
In a statement, his agent Mary Greenham told PA that he was surrounded by his family and loved ones as he died ‘peacefully’, stating: ‘George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.’
Her statement continued: ‘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.’
While presenting BBC Radio 5 Live, Munchetty sounded as though she was on the verge of tears as she informed her listeners of the news, her voice cracking up as she paid homage to Alagiah.
‘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,’ she said.
‘We’ve just heard the news he has died [aged 67]. We’ve just heard that from his agent,’
As Munchetty became choked up, the BBC Breakfast presenter 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.’
Alagiah first revealed that he was being treated for colorectal cancer in 2014.
However, four years later he disclosed that his condition had been deemed terminal, sharing that in 2018, he was given a 10% chance of surviving the next five years.
Having been the main presenter of BBC News at Six since 2007, in October 2021 Alagiah announced that he would be taking a break from work after the cancer had spread.
The late presenter went through 17 rounds of chemotherapy and several operations after his initial diagnosis, which included the removal of a large part of his liver.
He later found out that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and his lungs.
Dan Walker and Jeremy Vine were among the media personalities who paid tribute to Alagiah on social media.
‘How sad to hear about the death of George Alagiah. Incredibly well respected and loved both inside and outside the BBC. I hope his family know he inspired a lot of people with his courage ❤️,’ wrote Walker.
‘I never met anyone who didn’t love George Alagiah. He was compassionate, totally switched on, and really funny,’ Vine penned.
‘He was one of the best TV reporters there’s ever been, but he had no ego. I was lucky enough to work with him in the Johannesburg bureau 25 years ago and I saw the profound care and understanding he brought to every single story and the kindness he showed every single person who crossed his path. Above all he loved his family and I’m thinking of them today in their grief.’
Fiona Bruce described Alagiah as a ‘rare thing’ for being both ‘a first-rate journalist and an all round lovely human being’.
‘Integrity and decency shone through him. That and a mischievous sense of humour with an endearing giggle,’ she said.
‘I remember his 60th birthday party, surrounded by his wonderful family and his glamorous sisters like so many birds of paradise.
‘It was an intimate family affair and I know George counted his blessings to be there with the people he loved so much.
‘He fought with all he had to stay with them as long as he could. We loved him in the newsroom and we – I – miss him so much.’
Alagiah was married to Frances Rowbotham from 1984. They had two sons together, Adam and Matthew.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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