Tributes for former BBC presenter Frank Bough who died aged 87

Former BBC presenter Frank Bough has died at the age of 87.

A family friend told BBC News that Mr Bough died on Wednesday in a care home.

Mr Bough was the first presenter to host BBC's Breakfast Time show in 1988 and was one of the best-known broadcasters in the 1970s and 1980s.

His career with the corporation ended in 1988 when he was sacked over a scandal.

Mr Bough later spoke of his regret over the incident and said his behaviour had been “exceedingly stupid”.

A spokesperson for the BBC said: “Frank excelled as a live presenter with the BBC for many years and we are very sorry to hear of his passing.

“We send our condolences to his family and friends.”

Tributes to Bough were posted online by fellow BBC journalists and other broadcasters.

Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said: “RIP Frank Bough, Star of Grandstand, Nationwide and Breakfast Time.

“His career was ruined by scandal, but he was one of the great live TV presenters. Sad news.”

Writer Julian Dutton also took to Twitter to pay tribute to the broadcaster.

"Goodbye #FrankBough. Straddling Saturday afternoons like a colossus, projecting the confidence of a cheerful councillor or headmaster who'd wandered into the BBC and taken over," he wrote.

"Smoothly spinning plates & late kick-offs with military ease. RIP."

Mr Bough was part of the BBC’s commentary team for England’s World Cup win in 1966 and went on to front the flagship sports programme for 15 years – preceded by David Coleman and handing over to Des Lynam in 1983

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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