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ITV Granada Reports presenter Tony Morris dies aged 57

Tony Morris has died at the age of 57. (ITV News)
Tony Morris has died at the age of 57. (ITV News)

Tony Morris, presenter of ITV's Granada Reports, has died at the age of 57.

He passed away on Saturday 1 August at Bury Hospice with his two daughters Natalie and Rebecca by his side after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2019.

Morris had fronted ITV's regional news programme in the North West for 17 years since joining in 2003.

Read more: George Alagiah focusing on life amid cancer battle

His daughter Natalie, a journalist, shared the sad news to Twitter on Monday in a joint message with her sister as they paid tribute to their father whom they described as "more than a parent".

"We lost our incredible dad on Saturday morning. He was more than a parent, he was also our best friend. We are utterly heartbroken, but so grateful for the time we had with him

"We will be offline with family for a while, but so appreciative of the lovely messages. Nat & Becky x," they wrote alongside three family snaps.

Morris' co-host Lucy Meacock, who presented with him throughout his time at Granada Reports, shared the tweeted and added: "It is with a broken heart I retweet this.

"We will have a very special @GranadaReports tonight in tribute to our lovely friend and colleague. My thoughts are with his family and all who loved him x."

ITV Granada Reports confirmed tributes would be made to the broadcaster on tonight's programme.

Prior to joining ITV, Morris worked as a reporter on BBC Northwest Tonight. BBC North West sent "heartfelt condolences" to his daughters and the Granada Reports team.

ITV News anchor Charlene White also paid tribute to presenter, writing: "Tony Morris was an utterly wonderful man, & brilliant journalist. Two attributes that his daughter @Nmozz has in bucketloads. So sorry for your loss Natalie, sending love to the family. He’ll no doubt be missed by the whole @GranadaReports team & viewers."