Broadcaster Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66, his representatives have confirmed. The former BBC Breakfast host passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk on Wednesday, 31 August, surrounded by his family, following a battle with prostate cancer.
Turnbull announced his diagnosis in 2018 and had been receiving treatment. His family praised the "outstanding medical care" he received and said he was "resolutely positive" throughout his illness. They noted that "it was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease."
Turnbull hosted BBC Breakfast for 15 years, working in London and Salford, and also fronted Songs of Praise and the game show Think Tank. After leaving the BBC in 2016, he joined Classic FM. Colleagues paid emotional tribute on Thursday's programme, with Naga Munchetty saying he "cared so much about this programme and the audience" and Charlie Stayt adding that he "didn't take himself too seriously."
Former co-host Sian Williams remembered their 30-year friendship, saying they "laughed so much we couldn't really keep control of our faces." Louise Minchin described him as "a brilliant journalist" and "great fun." The programme editor confirmed Friday's Breakfast would be a celebration of Turnbull's life.
