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BBC newsreader George Alagiah reveals cancer has returned for second time

George Alagiah is in discussions with his medical team about treatment options and the way forward, his agent said - PA
George Alagiah is in discussions with his medical team about treatment options and the way forward, his agent said - PA

BBC newsreader George Alagiah has vowed to “stay calm” as he discloses he is to undergo medical treatment for cancer after the disease returned for a second time.

The 62-year-old presenter was previously diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and it was later revealed that it had spread to his liver and lymph nodes.

He was cleared of the disease the following year and returned to work in November 2015.

On Monday, Alagiah's agent announced he is currently considering treatment options, after his cancer recurred.

The newsreader, who has two children, said he had “always known” cancer could come back, but was feeling “genuinely positive” as he embarks on his “new challenge”.

The doctor warned me last year 'Your cancer knows the road, the pathway out of the gut'. It can happen again

George Alagiah speaking to the Telegraph in 2016

It is understood that he will continue to anchor the BBC News at Six when circumstances allow, including presenting tonight just hours after confirming his diagnosis.

A roster of his experienced colleagues will be available to fill in when necessary, a source said.

In a statement, Alagiah's agent Mary Greenham, said: "George Alagiah, the presenter of BBC News At Six, is to undergo medical treatment after a recurrence of cancer.

"He was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2014 and returned to the screen in November 2015 after extensive treatment.

"He is in discussions with his medical team about treatment options and the way forward."

George Alagiah, photographed at Broadcasting House in central London after recovering from stage four bowel cancer - Credit: Clara Molden for The Telegraph 
George Alagiah at the BBC's central London studios after recovering from bowel cancer Credit: Clara Molden for The Telegraph

Alagiah added: "My brilliant doctors are determined to get me back to a disease-free state and I know they have the skill to do just that.

"I learned last time around how important the support of family and friends is and I am blessed in that department.

"I genuinely feel positive as I prepare for this new challenge."

He tweeted to add: “Always knew cancer could come back but still tough dealing with disappointment. Harder for my family.

“I know what I have to do: stay calm, stay content, stay fit and let doctors do their best.”

Ms Greenham asked that Alagiah's "privacy be respected at this time".

A BBC spokesman said: "Everyone at the BBC sends George and his family their best wishes as he undergoes treatment and we will be thinking of them."

George Alagiah has presented the News At Six since 2007 - Credit: Jeff Overs/BBC /PA
George Alagiah has presented the News At Six since 2007 Credit: Jeff Overs/BBC /PA

Among the dozens of colleagues sending public good wishes was Nick Robinson, who in 2016 wrote fondly of their “BBC Survivors Club” made up of the Alagiah, Robinson, who had lung cancer, Andrew Marr, who had suffered a stroke, and Frank Gardner, who was shot.

Writing on Twitter yesterday following the Alagiah’s announcement, Robinson said: “We’re all cheering you and your family on George.”

The Sri Lanka-born presenter was diagnosed with the disease, after a tumour was discovered on his bowel in April 2014. MRI scans later detected eight tumours in his liver.

In 2016, Alagiah said he was a "richer person" for the experience, which saw him undergo several rounds of chemotherapy and three major operations, one of which included the removal of most of his liver.

In numbers | Cancer in the UK
In numbers | Cancer in the UK

He told the Telegraph: "I realised I wouldn't give back a single day of the previous year's experience. I am a richer person for it."

Saying he “wasn't afraid of dying”, focusing on getting on with his treatment, the broadcaster, who was made an OBE in 2008's New Year Honours list, added: "I get anxious and then there is a huge relief when the doctor tells me it is clear again. But I am under no illusions.

"The doctor warned me last year 'Your cancer knows the road, the pathway out of the gut'. It can happen again."

Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 and spent many years as one of the corporation's leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting.

Married and has two grown up children, he has been the face of News At Six since 2007.