George Alagiah, one of the BBC’s longest-serving and most respected journalists, has died at the age of 67. He had been battling cancer for nine years.
Alagiah was a fixture on British TV news for more than three decades, presenting the BBC News at Six for the past 20 years. He was also an award-winning foreign correspondent, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq.
He was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014 and revealed in October 2022 that it had spread further.
Alagiah died peacefully on Monday, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
In a statement, his agent said: “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.”
BBC director general Tim Davie said: “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.
“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’s death is a great loss to the BBC and to the world of journalism. He was a talented and respected journalist who will be remembered for his kindness, empathy, and humanity.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
