After newsreader George Alagiah died at the age of 67, BBC Breakfast presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent shared their recollections of him.
In April 2014, the Sri Lankan-born journalist, who has been the face of BBC One’s News At Six since 2007, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.
His death was revealed on Monday, nine months after he resigned from the national broadcaster when cancer worsened.
Jon and Sally have now paid respect to their coworker.
On Tuesday’s broadcast of the breakfast show, the couple reported on his death before sharing their own memories of their “dear friend and colleague.”
‘For so many of us over the years he was one of our longest-serving and most respected journalists,’ Jon shared.
‘Lots of people at home will very much feel like he was one of their friends. It would really mean so much to him when people would speak to him about his job on the six o’clock news and the reporting he did around the world,’ Sally added.
‘Also I have to say one of the kindest men you would ever meet.’
Her co-presenter then said: ‘It’s been a tough time in the newsroom loved him and knew him so well. He was such an integral part of the entire BBC operation for so long. He was a top bloke and will be much missed.’
Announcing news of Alagiah’s death on July 24, Mary Greenham told PA: ‘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.’
Alagiah underwent 17 rounds of chemotherapy after his first diagnosis in 2014, as well as many surgery that involved the removal of a substantial portion of his liver.
He earlier stated that it took him some time to accept the diagnosis and “arrive to a position of contentment.”
‘I needed that to just look at my life and say whatever happens, I’m content.’
Alagiah had been the face of BBC News at Six since 2007, making him the show’s longest-serving presenter. He was also the principal relief presenter for the 10 o’clock news.
Since 1984, he had been married to Frances Rowbotham, with whom he had two boys, Adam and Matthew.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC.
