Tributes paid after body found in Greek island search for Michael Mosley

Tributes have been paid after a body was found in the search for TV doctor and columnist Michael Mosley.

The 67-year-old TV personality was with friends at Agios Nikolaos beach on Symi on Wednesday, before going off alone for a walk.

The body, which is yet to be formally identified, was discovered beneath a fence that runs around a bar on Agia Marina beach, surrounded by hilly, rocky terrain.

Academic and broadcaster Alice Roberts shared three pictures on social media with Mosley, with whom she first worked on her 2009 TV series Human Journey.

Prof Roberts wrote: “The fragility of life is so shocking.

“I’ve known Michael Mosley for many years – as a TV producer specialising in science and medicine. He was the executive producer of my 2009 series Human Journey.

“When he started presenting as well as producing, we made several science programmes together.

“And we met up at Hay Festival just 2 weeks ago.

“I can’t believe he’s gone. My thoughts are with his bereaved family.”

Mosley’s co-presenter on Trust Me, I’m A Doctor described him as a “national treasure” and a “hugely talented” man.

Speaking to BBC News, Dr Saleyha Ahsan said: “Michael’s a national treasure and he’s so personable.”

She recalled how Mosley put her “to ease” while she was doing an on-camera audition for the BBC series which looked at health care in Britain.

Dr Ahsan said: “I can now appreciate that’s a one-off, not everyone is able to make other people feel so at ease with lights and cameras in front of them.

“But then to forget about all of that and just to focus on the science, on the story, on the message that we’re trying to get out, is such a talented man, hugely talented.”

She also praised his “passion for explaining science to a wider audience”, adding: “Making it accessible to anyone and everyone, not just a niche scientific crowd, but to everyone.”

Tom Watson, the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, described Mosley who was known for popularising the 5:2 diet as a “hero”.

“It’s hard to describe how upset I am by this news,” Mr Watson said posting on Twitter, formerly X.

“Through courageous, science-based journalism, Michael Mosley has helped thousands of people get well and healthy. I’m one of them.

“He was a hero to me. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Mr Watson said in an interview after losing around seven stone that Mosley’s The Fast Diet book was part of his weight-loss regime.

Author, TV writer and former doctor Adam Kay said it was “desperately sad” to hear the news.

“My thoughts with his family – may his memory be a blessing,” Kay wrote on X.