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Daily Mirror
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Susan Knox

Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan lead tributes to 'kind' Bill Turnbull as he dies at 66

Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan have paid gushing tributes to Bill Turnbull following the news of his sad death.

BBC Breakfast host Bill died at the age of 66 after a "challenging' fight with prostate cancer, his family have said.

The presenter, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2017 and went public with his diagnosis the following year.

After news of his death was announced, tributes flooded in from those in the television industry who knew him.

Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid said she was 'heartbroken': "Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.

Susanna has paid tribute to Bill after his sad death at 66 (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much."

Former BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern also reacted to Bill's sad death, saying: “We all loved him.”

She tweeted: “Absolutely gutted that our Bill Turnbull has passed away.

"A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend. I learnt so much from him. And we had some cracking arguments about how you should pronounce words like ‘poor’.

Piers took to Twitter to pay tribute to Bill (ITV)

“We all loved him #RIPBill.”

Meanwhile, Susanna's former co-host, Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Bill Turnbull, 66.

"One of the best broadcasters in Britain, and such a smart, funny, warm and generous-spirited man.

"Fought his illness with typical stoicism, courage and humour. Bill made presenting live TV look so effortless, which was his great talent. Such sad news."

Bill has passed away at the age of 66 (PA)
Bill's devastated family shared the news of his sad death this morning (Alpha-Edward Lloyd)

Bill's former BBC Breakfast co-host, Louise Minchin took to Instagram to pay tribute to 'brilliant journalist' Bill.

"Sending all my love and thoughts to the family of my funny friend and the legendary Bill Turnbull. He was a brilliant journalist, a stickler for accuracy, passionate about BBC Breakfast and our lovely audience, and fabulously supportive and kind team-player.

"Most of all, he was great fun. He made me laugh every day I worked with him and for that I will always be forever grateful. RIP Bill and may the bees fly with you."

Louise thanked Bill for making her laugh every day (PA)

Dan Walker tweeted: "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."

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General also released a statement, saying: “Bill was a much loved and respected broadcaster and journalist - not just by viewers but by all those lucky enough to have worked with him.

"He always struck the right tone, no matter what the story. Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”

Tributes have poured in for 'kind' Bill (Phil Harris)

Meanwhile, Robert Rinder gushed: "A truly lovely, bright and decent human."

Richard Osman wrote: "RIP Bill Turnbull, such a kind, intelligent man, and a wonderful presenter. How very sad."

And Lord Alan Sugar added: "Sadly Bill Turnbull has passed he was a great presenter and a nice guy R.I.P."

BBC Breakfast presenter, John Kay took to Twitter to pay tribute too, as he penned: "So very sad to hear this news. Bill was an absolute gent - respected and loved by everyone at #BBCBreakfast over many many years. Thinking of his lovely family."

Broadcaster Monty Don also paid tribute as he penned: "Very sad to learn of the death of Bill Turnbull. A thoroughly decent, good man. We shared an enthusiasm for bees and were both patrons of Bees for Development charity. My love and best wishes to his family."

Susanna Reid said Bill taught her everything she knows about presenting (PA)

Former BBC technology correspondent, Rory Cellon-Jones also shared: "Very sad to hear about Bill Turnbull. Great broadcaster, nice man."

Bill's former colleague, John Simpson said: "Very sorry to hear of the death of my former colleague Bill Turnbull. He was charming and relaxed, and managed to combine being a clever, sharp reporter with sympathetic understanding as an interviewer. And he faced a vicious disease with great courage."

Former Strictly star Mike Bushell tweeted: "We are numb and devastated by the passing of dear friend and former colleague #billturnbull. A ⁦@BBCBreakfast⁩ legend, my mentor 20 years ago, incredible talent to move from the harder news of the day to lighter stories with his clever wit warmth, our love, thoughts with his family."

Bill's heartbroken family released a statement paying tribute to Bill as they announced he had passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday.

They wrote: "Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP.

Bill battled prostate cancer for several years (PA)

“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.”

Bill revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in March 2018, saying he was diagnosed the previous November, and he detailed his treatment in a Channel 4 documentary called Staying Alive.

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