BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has passed away at the age of 66 after a "challenging' fight with advanced prostate cancer, his family have confirmed.
Bill's heartbroken wife Sesi released a statement, read out on BBC Breakfast on Thursday 1 September, paying tribute to her late husband as the family announced he had passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk on Wednesday.
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An emotional Naga Munchetty read: "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 they shared some wonderful moments.
"Although Bill was often in pain, he was dignified and brave throughout and he was his usual determined self right until the very end. He made us laugh everyday. We are immensely proud of him. He was the heart of our family. It's hard to imagine life without him."
The family also spoke about Bill's brave cancer battle: "Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP," they said.
“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."
After news of his death was announced, tributes flooded in from those in the television industry who knew him.
Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid said she was 'heartbroken'.
Bill co-anchored alongside Susanna until 2014, when she left the show to join ITV.
"Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything," she said.
"But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much."
Bill revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in March 2018, saying he was diagnosed the previous November, and he detailed his treatment in a Channel 4 documentary called Staying Alive.
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