BBC Radio 4 presenter Steve Hewlett dies at age of 58 after battling cancer

BBC broadcaster Steve Hewlett, who movingly documented his cancer treatment on his radio show, has died aged 58.

Hewlett died on Monday morning while listening to Bob Dylan with his family at the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, the BBC said.

The Media Show presenter married his partner Rachel earlier this month after being told he had just weeks or months to live.

In a statement, his family said: "Over the last year, we have been overwhelmed by the support of friends, colleagues and Radio 4 listeners.

"The messages helped Steve enormously, especially over the last few months."

The broadcaster's family also thanked staff at the Royal Marsden, along with fellow BBC presenter Eddie Mair and "all the PM listeners".

Hewlett, who has been documenting his treatment for oesophageal cancer since his diagnosis last March, was on a programme of palliative care. 

He recently revealed how he married in a ceremony organised in just one hour earlier this month at the Royal Marsden Hospital, after nurses arranged a registrar, wedding cake, flowers and prosecco and a local vicar left her dinner party.

Hewlett said he had always intended to marry the new Mrs Hewlett, but had been compelled to rush the ceremony after learning his cancer treatment must be halted.  

BBC director general Tony Hall said: "Steve Hewlett was an exceptional journalist. His analysis of the media industry was always essential listening.

"Steve was a trusted voice that embodied everything positive in public service journalism. He was hugely popular not just with viewers and listeners, but with BBC staff.

"When I saw him last week, I told him how much I have admired his brave interviews with Eddie Mair about his treatment which he did with a candour and sense of inquiry that was typically Steve."