BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull dies after cancer battle

Former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull died at his home in Suffolk on Wednesday after a long-documented journey with cancer.

Turnbull, who appeared on the morning show from 2001 until 2016, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.

A statement from his family read: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 31.

“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.”

Following his cancer diagnosis, he presented a Channel 4 documentary called Bill Turnbull: Staying Alive, in which he explored the use of cannabis oil for medicinal purposes.

He appeared as a contestant on an early series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in sixth place with his partner Karen Hauer, and took part in a celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off – which was in aid of a charity, Stand Up to Cancer.