ITV newsreader and BBC Wales presenter Nicola Heywood-Thomas has died. The mum-of-three, 67, suffered with health problems in recent months.
She continued to broadcast up until February, the Mirror reports. Former colleague and news anchor Jonathan Hill made the announcement about her death on Wales at Six on Thursday evening.
"I am afraid we have some very sad news to share with you," he said. "Our friend and colleague, former HTV presenter Nicola Heywood-Thomas sadly passed away earlier today.
"Nicola was familiar face for Welsh audiences presenting news, current affairs and arts programmes in a career spanning more than three decades.
"We have of course presented many editions of this programme together and she will be greatly, greatly missed by all of us here at ITV Cymru Wales. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time."
ITV Wales said Nicola was one of its 'most iconic faces'. "She anchored Wales at Six for more than 15 years," a statement read. "Thoughts are with all her friends and colleagues tonight."
Radio Wales editor Carolyn Hitt says she is 'deeply saddened' by the news. "She was fascinated by performers and artists and the stories behind the work they created, and always looked for imaginative ways to communicate these stories," Ms Hitt said.
"Nicola championed Welsh culture and hated the idea that the arts were some kind of posh pursuit for the elite."
Nicola worked for Wales Today as a sub-editor, reporter and presenter. She then spent 18 years as HTV's main news presenter.
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