Yahoo News Jeremy Vine tearfully recalls 'almost giving up' after seeing George Alagiah work
He was so impressed out in South Africa.
Watch: Jeremy Vine chokes up talking about George Alagiah
The tragic death of BBC broadcaster George Alagiah was an emotional topic of conversation on Jeremy Vine's Radio 2 programme today.
Introducing his guest, former BBC reporter Allan Little, Vine admitted he was finding the situation hard to talk about.
"Now, I have to be careful talking to you, because I'm not going to be hold it together," Vine says, his voice cracking with emotion.
"In all the tributes, it's so clear what a lovely man he was."
Reminiscing with Little about Alagiah's envious ability to build an out-of-the-blue rapport with his subjects during his 'Developing World' correspondent days in South Africa, Vine admitted this particular gift was humbling to behold.
"When I arrived in Johannesburg [...] I straight away realised this guy was in a completely different class," he began.
"I'll never forget, he did a report from a place called Tonj in South Sudan and I watched and I thought, 'My God...'
Read more: Naga Munchetty breaks down in tears on air as she announces George Alagiah’s death
"I couldn't even aspire... to go to this place in the back of beyond and to form these instant relationships with people almost, and have them trust him."
A tearful Jeremy, who was criticised for his views on the recent BBC presenter scandal by Richard Bacon, went on to further gush about George's reporting that day.
"It was five or six minutes this piece, they ran it at length — this amazing portrait of a place, an obscure part of the world where suddenly he just reached in and explained stuff," he added.
"[I] almost just gave up and went home at that point."
Five years after announcing his second bowel cancer diagnosis, George passed away on Monday surrounded by his loved ones.
Presenting the BBC News at One, Clive Myrie paid tribute to the late corporation legend with: "George touched all of us here in the newsroom, with his kindness and generosity, his warmth and good humour. We loved him here at BBC News, and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend."
Watch: Clive Myrie emotional as he announces George Alagiah's death on BBC News
