George Alagiah had hoped to come back to work "one last time" before his death, according to his colleague Sophie Raworth.
George Alagiah had hoped to return to BBC News At Six 'one last time'
The 55-year-old newsreader paid tribute to her late co-star, who passed away on Monday morning (24.07.23) at the age of 67 from cancer, during Monday night's 'News At Six' on BBC One.
She said on the show: "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."
Sophie also told how George was "touched" by the nation's support after he was diagnosed with cancer, and she praised him as a "man of great values and indomitable spirit".
She said: "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.
"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.
"George was a man of great values and indomitable spirit, a big smile, a velvety laugh, a great friend."
The late star was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014 and he underwent 17 rounds of chemotherapy to treat the disease.
In October 2015, he announced his treatment was over and returned to BBC One on November 10.
In 2017, the cancer returned, and in 2020 the journalist revealed it had spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes.
As his illness worsened, in October 2021, George made the decision to step down from his presenting duties.
His agent Mary Greenham confirmed his death in a statement, in which she sent her heartfelt condolences to his wife Frances Robathan and their two children, Adam and Matthew.
The statement read: "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."