ITV star Roger Cook has died at the age of 83 as tributes continue to flood in for the award-winning investigative journalist. The TV veteran’s family announced in a statement on Monday (June 15) that he had sadly lost his life over the weekend after a short illness. They said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Cook, who died peacefully on Saturday after a short illness. Alongside a distinguished and award winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all of us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss.”
The Cook Report Legacy
Joining ITV in 1985 with his series The Cook Report, which ran for 16 series and had over 120 episodes, Roger was seen pursuing criminals, con-men and corrupt officials. During its peak, the series pulled in up to 10 million viewers. Over the years, The Cook Report exposed child pornography, Northern Ireland protection rackets, baby trading in Brazil and the illicit ivory trade. Roger also shined a light on illegal immigration, war criminals in Bosnia and those behind 9/11 and other terrorist plots. A number of his programmes were followed by successful police prosecutions or major changes in the law.
ITV Pays Tribute
A statement from ITV said: “In a career spanning an incredible five decades, Roger Cook’s ground-breaking approach to investigative journalism made him one of broadcasting’s most trusted and respected figures. On his eponymous current affairs programme, The Cook Report, Roger worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping to drive important and lasting changes in the law. His fearless contribution to journalism will long be remembered, and we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time.”
Early Career and Achievements
Beginning his career in Australia, where he was raised, Roger moved to London in 1986 when he joined BBC Radio 4’s The World At One programme as a reporter and presenter. He went on to create and present the radio programme Checkpoint, which ran from 1973 to 1985, where he exposed criminal wrongdoing and injustice. Speaking in a special documentary titled Roger Cook’s Greatest Hits in 2007, Roger, who won the Bafta Television special award in 1998, admitted he had received death threats over his acclaimed work. Roger’s confrontational investigating style was parodied by the likes of Sir Stephen Fry in the Channel 4 comedy series This Is David Lander, as well as Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer in one of the comedy duo’s sketch shows.
