BBC newsreader George Alagiah has said that talking to Dame Deborah James about his cancer, gave him "solace". He talks about his relationship with Dame Deborah in a new documentary that pays tribute to the late presenter's life. Dame Deborah James: The Last Dance airs on BBC One at 8.30pm on Thursday, June 30.
In the documentary, Alagiah said: “I was diagnosed with what is called stage four cancer, way back in 2014. There’s no stage five so that gives you an idea of what is supposed to happen after that.” In June 2020 The newsreader said that his cancer had spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes, but was not at a "chronic" or "terminal" stage. He continued: “For all of us living with cancer, I think we’re all aware that we don’t want to become a burden, so there’s a limited number of people that you can talk to. Deborah James was one of those for me.”
Dame Deborah, who passed away earlier in the week, has been praised for her openness when it comes to the illness. Alagiah added: “To share my dilemma, my fears, my wanting to cry with someone who I knew had gone through that and was going through it, was a kind of solace. Sharing is hugely important. When my moment to share came, I was lucky enough to have someone like Deborah James to talk to.”
Read more:Dame Deborah James dies of bowel cancer aged 40
In the documentary, a whole host of celebrities come together to remember Dame Deborah and celebrate her achievements. Among them are Lorraine Kelly, Gaby Roslin and co-presenter of You, Me and the Big C podcast, Lauren Mahon. All give moving interviews about how she had a positive impact on their lives.
Dame Deborahs’ battle with cancer began in 2016 when she was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer. The presenter and journalist used her platform to encourage conversation about the illness and stressed for people to “check your poo”.
Her family confirmed the news of her passing on Tuesday, June 29 in a post on Instagram and praised her “determination”, calling her “inspiring".
Dame Deborah James: The Last Dance airs on BBC One at 8.30pm on BBC One
READ MORE:
Rachael Bland's widower tells Lorraine that Dame Deborah James dealt with cancer ‘on her terms
The Undeclared War: Who’s in it, what’s it about and when’s it on?
GMB's Susanna Reid pays highly emotional tribute to 'remarkable' Deborah James
When will Married At First Sight UK 2022 start? Everything we know about the new series
