'KINDEST MAN IN SHOWBIZ'
FORMER BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died aged 66 after a battle with cancer leaving his family heartbroken.
The presenter was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 - forcing him to temporarily step down from his Classic FM radio show.
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Bill's family today confirmed the heartbreaking news he had passed away following a "challenging and committed fight" against the disease.
His heartbroken wife Sarah McCombie said: "Our lovely Billy died yesterday evening almost five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
"The last week of his life was very special, as the whole family was with him and we shared some wonderful moments.
"Even though he was often in pain, Bill was dignified and brave throughout, and he was his usual determined self right to the very end.
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"Billy made us laugh every day and we are immensely proud of him - he was the heart of our family. It's hard to imagine life without him."
A statement from the family read: "Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP.
"He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.
"Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster who brought warmth and humour into people's homes on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM.
"He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him."
His family also described him as a "wonderful husband and father to his three children".
Bill had bravely spoken out about his diagnosis and said previously he felt "very calm" about facing death.
Tributes have flooded in for the veteran presenter led by former co-host Susanna Reid.
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She described him as "the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business".
Susanna added: "I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.
"But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much."
The veteran presenter hosted BBC Breakfast for 15 years until his departure in 2016.
He became a household favourite as he presented each morning alongside his fellow hosts, including Sian Williams, Susanna Reid, Kate Silverton, Natasha Kaplinsky and Louise Minchin.
After he left, he went on to host a show on Classic FM and had spots on Songs of Praise and game show Think Tank.
In 2005, Bill came sixth on the third series of Strictly Come Dancing.
He also appeared on an episode of Great British Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer in 2017 where it was later revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer during filming.
More recently, the presenter fronted several episodes of ITV's Good Morning Britain where he reunited with Susanna.
He also fronted documentary Bill Turnbull: Staying Alive for Channel 4 where he explored the use of cannabis oil for medicinal purposes.
DEVASTATING DIAGNOSIS
Bill returned to Classic FM last month after previously stepping down due to his "bumpy" cancer journey.
He had previously spoken frankly about the disease after being told it was terminal.
Bill also used his platform to urge people to go and get tested for prostate cancer.
The presenter said: "I've thought a great deal about death since I was diagnosed with cancer because he's there, y'know – the fella with the hood over his head and the scythe. He's waiting, and that's fine.
"I've developed quite a healthy relationship with death, I feel very, very calm about it because I've given it a lot of thought.
"There's no way I'm going to imagine I can live forever, nor would I really want to."
Former co-hosts have flooded social media with tributes to "charming" Bill.
BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty both appeared tearful as they announced his death on air today.
Stayt said: "He was a wise head, he didn't take himself too seriously when he sat here, which is a great combination."
While Naga added: "Of course all of us here are sending love and support to Bill's family, to Sessie his wife, and I think today after we get over the shock of this, we will start remembering the really funny things that Bill did.
"When I was presenting with him, his energy was amazing, he came into this programme and threw everything at it.
"Every single day, he was funny when we sat here on sofa, he was a brilliant journalist, and he loved this programme and he loved serving you, the audience. So I'm sure you will miss him, and we certainly will too."
BBC broadcaster John Simpson said: "Very sorry to hear of the death of my former colleague Bill Turnbull.
"He was charming and relaxed, and managed to combine being a clever, sharp reporter with sympathetic understanding as an interviewer. And he faced a vicious disease with great courage."
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While Dan Walker wrote: "Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. He was full of brilliant advice and it was clear just how loved he was by his colleagues and the audience. It was an honour to sit on his sofa.
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"My thoughts are with his family and friends."
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