Susanna Reid made an emotional return to Good Morning Britain earlier than expected. The presenter was expected to be back on the ITV news programme on Monday (September 5) but returned on Friday after being left 'robbed' by some sad news.
On Thursday it was announced that Susanna's former BBC Breakfast co-host Bill Turnbull had died, aged 66, five years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
His family, including wife Sarah, who is known as Sesi, said Bill died peacefully, aged 66, at home on Wednesday (August 31) after a "challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer." He had been diagnosed with the disease in November 2017 while filming the celebrity version of the Great British Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer.
Bill, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, revealed the diagnosis in March 2018. He had been suffering from pains in his legs but hadn't wanted to bother his doctor. Following his death Bill has been praised for speaking out about his diagnosis, including detailing his treatment in Channel 4 documentary, Staying Alive.
Before appearing live in the ITV studio alongside Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard on Friday, Susanna voiced a tribute VT to Bill, detailing his life and work as well as his positivity while living with cancer. Upon returning to the studio, Susanna appeared teary-eyed as she admitted to sounding, and feeling, sombre while recording the film.
"I was knocked sideways by the loss of Bill,2 she told Kate and Ben. "I don't want to sound sombre talking about him. He was delightful company. The first time I met him was more than 25 years ago. He would rewrite every script to make sure it was perfect. He wanted the best programme. He threw everything into every show.
"We did so much together. For him, the most important thing in life was his home, his family, his wife, his dogs and his bees." Susanna also admitted she felt "robbed" because he died five years after his diagnosis was found.
"He lived with his cancer. I think we all feel robbed that there was only five years between his diagnosis and losing him," she added, "He was a remarkable person on air and a remarkable person off air."
Susanna also appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to pay tribute to Bill during a special show in his memory. "He was so welcoming at his home. He invited me and my family, the children to his home," she revealed. "My son was petrified of animals. Bill encouraged my son to throw a ball for Bonnie and he got over his fear of dogs," she said.
"He wouldn't hold back from holding really tough questions, he was firm and determined but polite. I've been in touch with Sesi since the news and with typical grace she's been as generous to me. My heart goes out to his family."
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