Susanna Reid has said Bill Turnbull taught her "everything" as she paid an emotional tribute to her former co-star following his death. The television and radio host has died at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer.
Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and last year announced he was stepping back from his Classic FM show for "health reasons".
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna, who worked with Bill on BBC Breakfast for many years, led the tributes. She wrote: "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, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much."
Read more: BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull dies aged 66
Sian Williams also paid tribute, writing: "Goodbye, Billy. The kindest, most generous of presenters. A wonderful friend for 30 years. And a man devoted to his family. All thoughts and love with them. You will be so, so missed - thank you for the laughter and friendship xx"
Bill joined BBC Breakfast in 2001 as a presenter alongside Sian Williams and they worked together until 2012 when she departed after the programme moved from London to Salford. The presenter co-anchored alongside Susanna Reid with the pair presenting together until 2014 when Reid left the show to join ITV. Turnbull's other co-hosts included Louise Minchin, Kate Silverton and Natasha Kaplinsky
Louise wrote: "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."
Dan Walker, who took over from Bill on BBC Breakfast, also paid tribute, writing: "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."
A statement from Bill's family on Thursday, September 1, read: "Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, 31st 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. He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.
"Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster who brought warmth and humour into people's homes on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM.
"He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.”
“Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.” For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
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