Ex-Antiques Roadshow Host Hugh Scully Dies

Former Antiques Roadshow presenter Hugh Scully - who hosted the show for 20 years - has died aged 72 at his home in Cornwall.

Scully died while watching television on Thursday afternoon, his son Oliver told the BBC.

He left the popular show in 2000 - when Michael Aspel took over - to join an internet auction company where he helped set up its online antiques business.

The new role was seen to conflict with his position on the show.

Scully first became a familiar face when he presented the current affairs programme Nationwide. While at Nationwide, he persuaded Margaret Thatcher to work on a series of programmes on the Downing Street years.

Sue Lawley, his colleague on Nationwide, told the BBC Scully and Mrs Thatcher "became firm friends".

Lawley said Scully was "always happy, jolly and wonderful".

Following his death, Antiques Roadshow tweeted: "We are saddened to hear the news of the death of Hugh Scully."

Other tributes described him as a "charming and legendary" presenter.

Mr Scully was married to his wife Barbara for 43 years before she died in 2009.