'He was a hero to me' - Tributes to Michael Mosley after body found in search for missing TV doctor

Tributes have poured in for Michael Mosley as a body is found in the search for the TV doctor. Dr Mosley went missing on the Greek island of Symi on Wednesday (June 4), resulting in an extensive search operation led by emergency workers over the last few days.

A body which is believed to be that of Dr Mosley has now been found. Dr Mosley is thought to have fallen around 10 metres off a cliff into the sea, according to Symi mayor Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas who said that the body found is believed to be that of TV doctor.

The body is yet to be formally identified.

Sharing the news that a body had been found this morning (June 9), broadcaster Piers Morgan described the latest development as 'very sad'. Professor Alice Roberts, who has known Dr Mosley for 'many years' through her TV work said she 'can't believe' the news.

READ MORE: Michael Mosley missing: Live updates as body found in search for missing doctor

Posting on X, she said: "The fragility of life is so shocking. I can’t believe he’s gone. My thoughts are with his bereaved family."

Dr Mosley is known for popularising the 5:2 diet and for his appearances on The One Show and This Morning. The 67-year-old TV personality was last seen by friends at Agios Nikolaos beach on Wednesday (June 4), before going for a walk to the centre of the island.

Former Labour MP Tom Watson described Dr Mosley as a 'hero'. He wrote: "It's hard to describe how upset I am by this news.

"Through courageous, science-based journalism, Michael Mosley has helped thousands of people get well and healthy. I'm one of them.

"He was a hero to me. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer added: "This is very sad news. I interviewed Michael Mosley a few times about his Fast800 diet and he was an absolutely lovely man. My condolences to his family."

Dr Mosley worked on many TV and radio programmes on the BBC. On BBC Radio 4 this morning (June 9), Presenter Anita Anand interrupted the BBC Radio 4 Broadcasting House programme to say: "In the last half hour we have learned a body has been found on the island of Symi where the search for Michael Mosley has been going on several days."

"Dr Mosley will be known to millions for his advice on how to live a healthier life including his programme here on Radio 4 called Just One Thing and numerous other very popular shows."

Alan Yentob, former creative director of the BBC said: "It is absolutely shocking. Shocking news. For Clare, his wife, his colleague as well, and his four children, this must be appalling.

"He is an extraordinary figure, trained in science and medicine and worked in broadcasting and an adventurer both intellectually and physically.

"He tackled mental and physical problems too in a world in which he must have helped many, many people improve their lives. I'm sure everyone will be devastated to hear this. There was no one else quite like him on television."

Tim Spector, a doctor who worked with Michael Mosley on many programmes: "It's been a horrendous few days trying to look for news and just feeling for Clare and the kids, not knowing the outcome and hoping Michael had pulled something out of the hat at the last minute.

"We had a meal with him and his wife Clare last week and I was due to do a podcast with him next week. Hearing about all his plans and everything, he had so much more he was really keen to do. So it is a tragic demise.

"He will be remembered, for me, for his positivity, that was the thing that struck me."

Mr Spector added: "His book [the 5:2 Diet] embodied the wish of people to do something for themselves.... to improve their lives with this really positive message that you can do these simple things and empower yourself. I think that was the key message throughout all these medical programmes was - it was very optimistic, upbeat, things you could do for yourself to improve things. That's what struck a chord with people.

"Also, because he went through it with you... people loved the idea he had the cold baths, kept himself up for three nights not sleeping, and ate tape worms. He took the punishment for the public which in a strange way they admired."

Producer Rhiannon Roberts, BBC commissioner who worked with him on Just One Thing: "Our hearts go out to Clare and his family......He was kind and generous to a fault and always so enthusiastic about his subject, but always with the objective of putting that knowledge at the service of us, the ones who were hoping for anything that might improve our wellbeing, and you felt like he was alongside you in your efforts......Not only a brilliant communicator, but one of life's genuinely lovely blokes.

"It's been a pleasure to do 'Just One Thing' because you felt improving your health was possible because of the simplicity of the message he brought to it. Not only new things but things you were already doing were worth it like drinking tea or going for a walk."