Yahoo News Naga Munchetty breaks down in tears on air as she announces George Alagiah’s death
BBC Breakfast host was audibly emotional as she heard the news of her colleague passing away following cancer battle
Watch: Naga Munchetty announces the death of colleague George Alagiah on air
Naga Munchetty broke down in tears live on air after she heard the news of the death of her colleague George Alagiah.
The popular newsreader sadly passed away on Monday at the age of 67 following a nine-year battle with bowel cancer which saw him undergo extensive treatment for the disease following his diagnosis in 2014.
Munchetty was busy hosting her BBC Radio 5 Live show when the news of Alagiah’s death broke and was audibly emotional as she announced the news to her listeners just after midday.
Read More: George Alagiah dies aged 67 following battle with bowel cancer
She said: "We've had the very sad news that our colleague George Alagiah, BBC presenter - you all know him - who has been living with bowel cancer since 2014 - he has since stepped back from presenting BBC News.
“We've just heard the news he has died aged 67. We've just heard that from his agent."
Becoming more emotional she continued: "Apologies for the emotion in my voice - he was so loved in our news room.
"We've had that news, we'll bring you more a little bit later, Rebecca apologies for the interruption, you have the rest of the sport."
Alagiah’s agent confirmed that he had died peacefully and "surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
Later in the show Munchetty returned to the subject of her “beloved colleague” as she reminisced about him.
She said: "Our beloved colleague, George Alagiah, BBC News reporter, established reporter and correspondent, presenter who whenever he delivered the news you knew you were in safe hands.
“He was a voice we trusted and he was someone I can personally say I loved, he supported me greatly… Throughout my career... apologies for the emotion in my voice but I do think this will be reflected in our newsroom and our thoughts of course primarily go out to those who loved him dearly and his family."
Read More: BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty left ‘fuming’ by intimidating men approaching her
Alagiah's agent Mary Greenham confirmed his passing away to the PA news agency in a statement which read: "I am so terribly sorry to inform you that George Alagiah died peacefully today, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
"George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today. George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public. He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family."
