BBC Breakfast presenters delivered heartbreaking news at the start of Sunday's programme, announcing the death of celebrated playwright Sir Tom Stoppard at the age of 88.
Hosts Rachel Burden and Ben Boulos began the November 30th broadcast by sharing the sad update, revealing that the Royal Family were among the first to pay tribute to the theatrical legend.
Royal Family Leads Tributes
Addressing viewers, Rachel Burden stated: "The King and Queen have led tributes to the playwright Tom Stoppard, who has died at the age of 88."
She shared the poignant words from the monarchs, who described Stoppard as "a dear friend who wore his genius lightly". The programme highlighted his remarkable achievement of winning an Oscar for the screenplay of the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love.
A Legendary Career Remembered
The broadcast then transitioned to a special tribute segment featuring entertainment correspondent Guy Lambert, who reflected on Stoppard's extraordinary six-decade career.
Returning to the studio, Burden noted that tributes were pouring in from across the world to celebrate the life of Sir Tom Stoppard. She emphasised the personal connection, stating: "King Charles and Queen Camilla called him a dear friend."
The official statement from his representatives at United Agents expressed: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved client and friend, Tom Stoppard, has died peacefully at home in Dorset, surrounded by his family."
The agency added that he would be remembered for "his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language".
King Charles's Personal Tribute
King Charles provided a moving personal statement, saying: "My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our greatest writers, Sir Tom Stoppard. A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history."
The King concluded with one of Stoppard's most famous lines: "'Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else'", offering comfort to those mourning his passing.
Sir Tom's illustrious career spanned over sixty years, during which he received numerous accolades including multiple Tony and Olivier awards, alongside his Golden Globe and Academy Award for Shakespeare In Love, which he co-wrote with Marc Norman.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
