Susanna Reid has led tributes to Bill Turnbull.
Susanna Reid leads tributes to former co-host Bill Turnbull
The former 'BBC Breakfast' presenter passed away on Wednesday (31.08.22) aged 66 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, and Susanna, who previously co-hosted the morning show with Bill, has thanked the late star for teaching her "everything" and admitted she feels "heartbroken" for his family.
She wrote on Twitter: "Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. 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."
'BBC Breakfast' co-hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt reacted to the sad news live on air today (01.09.22).
An emotional Naga said: "All of us here are sending love and support to Bill's family.
"And I think today, after we get over the shock of this, we will start remembering the really funny things that Bill did.
"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 the sofa.
"He was a brilliant journalist and he loved this programme, and he loved serving you, the audience.
"I’m sure you will miss him, we certainly will too."
The pair also read out a tribute from Bill's wife Sarah, who is known as Sesi.
She 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.
"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."
Ex-'BBC Breakfast' host Steph McGovern also paid tribute to Bill - who presented the show from 2001 to 2016 - remembering him as a "fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend".
She tweeted: "Absolutely gutted that our Bill Turnbull has passed away.
A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend….I learnt so much from him. And we had some cracking arguments about how you should pronounce words like ‘poor’
We all loved him [heartbroken emoji] #RIPBill (sic)"
Former 'Good Morning Britain' presenter Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: "RIP Bill Turnbull, 66.
One of the best broadcasters in Britain, and such a smart, funny, warm generous-spirited man. Fought his illness with typical stoicism, courage and humour. Bill made presenting live TV look so effortless, which was his great talent. Such sad news."
A post on the 'BBC Breakfast' Twitter account read: "Former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has died. He was 66. He was loved by our viewers. He was loved by his colleagues. Bill will always be remembered for his warmth, humour and being a brilliant journalist."
Bill's family confirmed in a statement that he had tragically lost his fight against prostate cancer on Wednesday.
They said: "Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, 31st August.
"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.
"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."
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