Bill Turnbull death: Former BBC Breakfast host dies aged 66

Turnbull hosted BBC Breakfast for 15 years and also presented for Classic FM

The family of Bill Turnbull paid tribute to him as they announced his death yesterday, saying the BBC and Classic FM presenter made them laugh every day and that they were “immensely proud” of him.

The 66-year-old, who co-hosted Breakfast for 15 years, died at home in Suffolk almost five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

A special programme will be shown in his honour on Friday, the BBC said.

“The last week of his life was very special: the whole family was with him and we shared some wonderful moments,” wife Sarah McCombie said in a statement read out on air by Naga Munchetty.

“Even though he was often in pain, Bill was dignified and brave throughout, and he was his usual determined self right to the very end.

“Billy made us laugh every day and we are immensely proud of him – he was the heart of our family. It’s hard to imagine life without him.”

The statement described him as “resolutely positive” and noted that the support he received from friends, colleagues and messages from people wishing him luck was something that “hugely buoyed” him.

Among those who have paid tribute is his former co-presenter Susanna Reid, who has spoken of him as the “kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business”.

Turnbull discovered he had the disease while filming a celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, which raises funds for the Stand Up To Cancer charity.

After his diagnosis, he used his platform to speak about prostate cancer and encourage men to be aware of the symptoms. He said inspiring men to get tested for prostate cancer by publicly revealing his own diagnosis was the “one useful thing” he had done in his life.

In 2018, he underwent nine rounds of chemotherapy and said he was at a “stalemate” with treatment.

The Guildford-born presenter also fronted the Channel 4 documentary Bill Turnbull: Staying Alive in 2019, in which he explored the use of cannabis oil for medicinal purposes.

BBC Breakfast (BBC/PA)

Prior to his role on Classic FM, Turnbull was the host of BBC Breakfast from 2001 to 2016, presenting alongside Sian Williams, Susanna Reid, Kate Silverton, Natasha Kaplinsky and Louise Minchin.

He had worked at the BBC since 1986 in a variety of positions. During his four-year stint as the Washington correspondent, Turnbull covered major stories such as the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the OJ Simpson trial, and made a rain-drenched appearance on Breakfast during a hurricane in Florida.

Viewers’ familiarity with Turnbull meant that he was a welcome addition to a range of non-news related broadcasts. In 2011, he guest starred in the sixth season finale of Doctor Who with his then Breakfast co-presenter, Sian Williams, and had a cameo appearance in Professor Green’s music video, “Remedy”, the following year.

Turnbull was no stranger to quiz shows either. He took part in Celebrity Mastermind in 2008, with beekeeping as his specialist subject. Other trivia programme appearances included Pointless Celebrities, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, The Chase and, most recently, Richard Osman’s House of Games.

The official statement continued: “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.”