Bill Turnbull death – latest news: Alan Sugar and Dan Walker pay tribute after BBC Breakfast host’s death from cancer
Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66.
The news was announced by his family on Thursday morning (1 September).
Fellow TV personalities including Dan Walker, Susanna Reid and The Apprentice’s Alan Sugar have paid tribute to Turnbull in wake of the news.
The presenter was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and took a leave of absence from his radio show at Classic FM to focus on his health in October 2021.
He returned to his radio show in August, but died at home on Wednesday (31 August).
A spokesperson on behalf of the family said: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, 31 August.
“Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP.”
Read more about it here.
Key Points
Bill Turnbull’s family announce his death in a statement this morning
Tributes pour in from fans and former colleagues
Susanna Reid honours ‘most generous man in the business’
Video: Bill Turnbull’s best moments
12:00 , Ellie Harrison
Read all about Bill Turnbull’s love of beekeeping, which he took up about 15 years ago and wrote about in a 2010 book, here...
Bill Turnbull was an adored broadcaster – but his other great love was bees
11:40 , Ellie Harrison
In 2019, Bill Turnbull let cameras into his personal life for Staying Alive, an intimate documentary following him as he undertook chemotherapy, tried cannabis for medicinal purposes and adopted a healthier diet. You can watch it now on All4
11:25 , Ellie Harrison
Here’s a lovely throwback to Turnbull’s time on the Strictly dancefloor
Sending heartfelt condolences to Bill Turnbull’s family and friends. A truly brilliant broadcaster turned ballroom dancer when he joined us on series three of Strictly 💖 pic.twitter.com/zIH614NlcU
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 1, 2022
11:09 , Ellie Harrison
Here’s a typically sunny update from Turnbull about beekeeping, which he filled much of his time with when he wasn’t broadcasting
Anyone want a honeybee lollipop? pic.twitter.com/2X1pTh25xe
— Bill Turnbull (@billtu) May 31, 2021
10:40 , Louis Chilton
Fans have been sharing their favourite memories of Turnbull on social media.
One amusing quirk that keeps coming up: the presenter’s well-known love of beekeeping.
He even wrote books on the subject, one of which is called Confessions of a Bad Beekeeper...
10:30 , Louis Chilton
Here’s a delightful little compilation of some of Turnbull’s best moments.
BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull’s best moments after host dies aged 66
10:20 , Louis Chilton
Another moving tribute, this one from ex-BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin.
“Sending my love and thoughts to the family of my wonderful friend Bill Turnbull.
“He was a brilliant journalist, a stickler for accuracy, passionate about @BBCBreakfast and a fabulously supportive and kind team-player. Most of all he was great fun, I love how he made me laugh.”
Sending my love and thoughts to the family of my wonderful friend Bill Turnbull. He was a brilliant journalist, a stickler for accuracy, passionate about @BBCBreakfast and a fabulously supportive and kind team-player. Most of all he was great fun, I love how he made me laugh. Xx pic.twitter.com/5rC8drv8om
— Louise Minchin (@louiseminchin) September 1, 2022
10:10 , Louis Chilton
A touching tribute from Dan Walker here.
“Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. He was full of brilliant advice and it was clear just how loved he was by his colleagues and the audience.
“It was an honour to sit on his sofa.”
Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. He was full of brilliant advice and it was clear just how loved he was by his colleagues and the audience. It was an honour to sit on his sofa.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) September 1, 2022
09:55 , Louis Chilton
Among the many voices to pay tribute to the presenter was Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid.
Leading the tributes to Turnbull, Reid wrote on Twitter: “Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.
“But above all,” she continued, “He was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them.”
Read the full story below...
GMB host Susanna Reid remembers Bill Turnbull as ‘most generous man in the business’
09:52 , Louis Chilton
Good morning. Today has seen the sad news that former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has passed away.
Read more about it here...
