Susanna Reid leads tributes to Bill Turnbull with heartfelt statement after his death aged 66
SUSANNA Reid has paid tribute to Bill Turnbull following his death, saying “he taught me everything”.
TV presenter and journalist Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66, following a “challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer”.
Good Morning Britain host Susanna, who worked with Bill on BBC Breakfast for many years, led the messages this morning, writing: “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.”
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, with the pair presenting together until 2014, when she left the show to join ITV.
Bill's fellow broadcasters and famous friends rushed to pay their respects.
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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."
Piers Morgan shared his thoughts: "RIP Bill Turnbull, 66.
"One of the best broadcasters in Britain, and such a smart, funny, warm & 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."
Rob Rinder wrote: “A truly lovely, bright & decent human.”
Heartbroken Steph McGovern added: “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’🥰
“We all loved him💔 #RIPBill.”
Comedian Danny Wallace recalled a recent interaction with his 'friend' Bill, writing: " Turnbull was my friend. He was hilarious, with a huge brain. He sent me a book just recently which I'll treasure. I sent him a Beano.
"I got a dog because one day in his kitchen he told me to get a dog. He was a brilliant man. I'll miss you, pal. I'll look after the dog. x"
Alex Beresford said: “Such sad news! I had the absolute honour of working with Bill Turnbull a handful of times and as you’ll see below he was strong, flexible, professional and warm! RIP 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽.”
Alastair Stewart tweeted: “So sad to learn of the death of Bill Turnbull...broadcaster and bee-keeper, extraordinaire.
“Bill was a master of the old school: informed, charming, collegiate, competitive but ever courteous.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends.”
BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty both appeared tearful as they announced his death on air today.
Stayt said: "He was a wise head, he didn't take himself too seriously when he sat here, which is a great combination."
While Naga added: "Of course all of us here are sending love and support to Bill's family, to Sessie his wife, and I think today after we get over the shock of this, we will start remembering the really funny things that Bill did."
Another former co-host - Sian Williams - added: "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."
Louise Minchin 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."
Sad loss
Announcing his death in a statement today, Bill’s family said: "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."
The presenter 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.
Long career
In October last year he announced he was taking a leave of absence from his show on Classic FM for health reasons.
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Announcing the news on social media, Turnbull said he was taking "a leave of absence" from his weekend programme, which he had fronted for five years.
In 2005, he competed as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing partnered with Karen Hardy, and was the seventh celebrity voted off the show.
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Other TV appearances include ITV's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Through The Keyhole; the BBC's Celebrity Mastermind, Would I Lie To You?, Pointless Celebrities and Room 101, and he appeared in the dictionary corner for Channel 4's Countdown.
In 2011 he appeared in the Doctor Who episode The Wedding Of River Song in which he played himself.
