BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull's beloved wife of 34 years has paid a heartbreaking tribute after he passed away on Wednesday.
Sarah, known as Sesi, penned a statement announcing Bill had lost his five-year battle with prostate cancer at the age of 66, and spoke about the BBC Breakfast presenter's final days surrounded by his family.
Sarah's moving words were read out by an emotional Naga Munchetty on the daytime show on Thursday.
Fighting back tears, Naga 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. Billy 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."
Naga added: "Of course all of us here sending love and support to Bill's family and his wife. I think today once we get over the shock of this, we will start to remember the really funny things Bill did.
"When I presented, his energy was amazing and he came into the programme and threw everything at it, every single day.
"He was funny when he sat on the sofa, a brilliant journalist and he loved this programme and he loved you, the audience."
Charlie Stayt added: "He was a wise head. He didn't take himself too seriously when he sat here which was a great combination."
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.
Bill married Sarah in March 1988 in the London Borough of Hackney and welcomed sons Henry (born October 1988) and Will (born October 1989) and daughter Flora (born August 1991).
The family moved to Suffolk, where Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday.
