BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty breaks down in tears as she announces death of colleague
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty broke down in tears as she announced the death of her colleague, George Alagiah.
Alagiah passed away earlier today following a battle with bowel cancer, with an emotional Munchetty announcing the news.
“We've just had the news that our colleague, BBC presenter George Alagiah – you all know him – who has been living with bowel cancer since 2014... he has since stepped back from presenting BBC News. We've just heard the news that he has died aged 67. We've just heard that from his agent,” she said (via OK! Magazine).
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“Apologies for the emotion in my voice, he was so loved in our newsroom. We've had that news, we'll bring you more a little bit later, Rebecca, apologies for the interruption, you have the rest of the sport,” she continued, as she was clearly overcome with emotion.
“He was a voice we trusted and he was someone I can personally say I loved, he supported me greatly... Throughout my career… Apologies for the emotion in my voice but I do think this will be reflected in our newsroom and our thoughts of course primarily go out to those who loved him dearly and his family,” she added later in the show.
It is with deep sadness that the BBC is announcing the death of its much-loved journalist and presenter George Alagiah.https://t.co/W5TPEKmTIP pic.twitter.com/bP5mwtjHLG
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) July 24, 2023
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Alagiah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014, before stepping down from his role on BBC News at Six last year. Tim Davie, the general secretary for the BBC, paid tribute to the presenter in a statement, saying: “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George.
“George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly. He was more than just an outstanding journalist - audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously,” he added.
If you identify with the themes in this article, the NHS has resources available to help with grief counselling and other support in the UK. In the US, the CDC also has resources available for those grieving.
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