Bill Turnbull

A statement from his family said: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk ...

Other TV appearances include ITV's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? “He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. “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." Recalling his most memorable moments from his breakfast career as he signed off from the red sofa in February 2016, he recalled "nearly getting into a fight with a ventriloquist's dummy called Bob" and wearing a jumper made of dog hair.

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66 following a battle with prostate cancer, his family has confirmed.

He was loved by his colleagues. Dan Walker said: ‘Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. He was loved by our viewers. ‘I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything. ‘He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper.

BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66 after a fight with prostate cancer, his family have said.

He was a very gifted journalist and presenter, and he loved radio and understood its ability to connect with people on a personal level – something he did with ease and aplomb. And a man devoted to his family. Monty Don wrote: "Very sad to learn of the death of Bill Turnbull. And he faced a vicious disease with great courage." He tweeted: "Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. My love and best wishes to his family." "But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. She wrote: "Sending all my love and thoughts to the family of my funny friend the legendary Bill Turnbull. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything," she said. "Although Bill was often in pain, he was dignified and brave throughout and he was his usual determined self right until the very end. "He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. "Most of all he was great fun.

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66 after a long battle with prostate cancer, his family has said.

In 1990, he became a correspondent for BBC News and reported from more than 30 countries. He also appeared on ITV's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? "But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. And a man devoted to his family. He became a reporter for BBC's Breakfast Time two years later. He had received treatment from Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, as well as latterly St Elizabeth Hospice.

A statement from his family said: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk ...

His passion for beekeeping led to the 2011 publication of his book The Bad Beekeepers Club, a humorous account of the ups and downs of an apiarist. In 2005, he competed as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing partnered with Karen Hardy, and was the seventh celebrity voted off the show. It was all right, it was just very warm and I couldn’t get the stuff off me for weeks,” he said. He 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. 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 1990, Turnbull became a correspondent for BBC News and reported from more than 30 countries, with notable stories he covered including the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the OJ Simpson trial. But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. “He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. Turnbull, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.

A spokesperson said: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his ...

He posted on Twitter: “Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. And he faced a vicious disease with great courage.” She added: “A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend… “I got a dog because one day in his kitchen he told me to get a dog. Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all.” “There was a warmth to his broadcasting. “This was a man who’d been a correspondent in Washington, who travelled 30 countries. “You will be so, so missed.” He was devoted to Wycombe Wanderers and beekeeping, they added. In his final years, Turnbull presented a weekend show on Classic FM. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease,” they said. She added: “I did my first ever presenting shift with him on Breakfast.

The broadcaster and journalist announced he had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018.

In 2005, he competed as a contestant in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing. During his four-year stint as the Washington correspondent, he covered the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the OJ Simpson trial and there was also a rain-drenched appearance on Breakfast during a hurricane in Florida. He joined the BBC as a reporter for the Today programme in 1986 before becoming a correspondent for BBC’s Breakfast Time two years later. In October 2021 he announced he was taking “a leave of absence” from his weekend programme on Classic FM for “health reasons”. In his final years he presented a weekend radio show on Classic FM and appeared as a guest presenter on The One Show. On a number of occasions in 2020 and 2021, Bill reunited with his former BBC Breakfast co-host Susanna Reid as a guest presenter on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

Bill Turnbull, one of the nation's most admired broadcasters who was much-loved by all at Classic FM, has died after being diagnosed with incurable prostate ...

Classic FM’s managing editor, Philip Noyce, said: “I’m deeply saddened by this news; Bill was an absolute treasure of Classic FM whose presence on and off the air will forever be missed. A father-of-three, Bill also kept bees at home with his wife, Sesi McCombie, in Suffolk. The following year, Bill was praised by the NHS after presenting a Channel 4 documentary called Staying Alive in which he raised awareness of the illness and urged viewers to get checked. Today, Prostate Cancer UK praised Bill for his determination to raise awareness of the illness and help save lives. Bill was a fan of Wycombe Wanderers football club, where he commentated on home games for online listeners. He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck.

Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66. The broadcaster, best known for hosting BBC Breakfast and presenting his own show on Classic FM, passed away on ...

Most of all he was great fun, I love how he made me laugh." One of the best broadcasters in Britain, and such a smart, funny, warm & generous-spirited man. "But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. Fought his illness with typical stoicism, courage and humour. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.

Good Morning Britain host Reid said she was “heartbroken,” by Turnball's passing, writing: “Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I ...

He tweeted: “Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. “A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend. RIP Bill and may the bees fly with you.” “Fought his illness with typical stoicism, courage and humour. Bill made presenting live TV look so effortless, which was his great talent. “RIP Bill Turnbull, 66,” tweeted Morgan.

Bill Turnbull loved Suffolk and became a cornerstone of the community after moving to a village near the coast - throwing himself into local campaigns.

I was always impressed by that - and very grateful to him! [ meeting in Theberton church](/news/sizewell-c-concerns-bring-hundreds-to-theberton-church-2550908) where he was certainly among friends. One of his reasons for moving to a quiet village near the coast was his love of beekeeping.

Here are the warning signs that the BBC presenter said he ignored, as well as other symptoms that you should look out for.

NHS Inform have said that PSA tests - which is a blood test to help detect prostate cancer - are not as reliable as doctors would like. The charity research group adds that anything you tell your GP is confidential. As they came and went, he thought the pain was just down to old age. "I didn't want to go to the doctor. This could cause the following symptoms: He made the news public in 2018 - sharing it had spread to his legs, hips, pelvis and ribs. Now I'm going to the doctor all the time. It tweeted: “1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer — that’s a dad, brother, uncle or best mate. [Scotland's NHS Inform](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/prostate-cancer#symptoms-of-prostate-cancer) adds that the cancer can grow large enough to put pressure on the urethra. [Cancer Research UK](https://go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1529444&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerresearchuk.org%2Fabout-cancer%2Fprostate-cancer%2Fsymptoms&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyrecord.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Fhealth-fitness%2Fbill-turnbulls-early-prostate-cancer-27882816) warns that prostate cancer does not usually cause symptoms in the early stages. [information on prostate cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/) along with a message: “We’re sad to hear about the death of Bill Turnbull from prostate cancer.” [warning signs](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/male-weight-loss-could-slash-26880035) which led to his terminal diagnosis in 2017.

Bill Turnbull has tragically died after a battle with prostate cancer, the presenter had spoken about how he ignored the early signs and encouraged others ...

"I didn't want to go to the doctor. Now I'm going to the doctor all the time. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. After his diagnosis, he urged others not to make the same mistake as him and to get checked as soon as possible, adding: "Men don't want to go to the doctors, as simple as that. When the pains worsened, Bill finally went to see his GP, where he underwent blood tests and was soon given the heartbreaking news that he had advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to the bone. [Channel 4](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/channel-4) that he hadn't been to a GP in four years and said: "I was getting pains in my legs and my hips particularly, and they would come and go and I thought 'this is old age'"

The former BBC Breakfast host died from prostate cancer aged 66 on Wednesday. Prostate Cancer UK said on Thursday he had become a “huge part” of the charity “ ...

He posted on Twitter: “Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. And he faced a vicious disease with great courage.” She added: “A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend… Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all.” “I got a dog because one day in his kitchen he told me to get a dog. “There was a warmth to his broadcasting. “This was a man who’d been a correspondent in Washington, who travelled 30 countries. “You will be so, so missed.” “It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.” He was devoted to Wycombe Wanderers and beekeeping, they added. In his final years, Turnbull presented a weekend show on Classic FM. She added: “I did my first ever presenting shift with him on Breakfast.

The broadcaster, who has died aged 66, was an avid supporter of the football team.

I’m so grateful that I got to know him so well.” “He was obviously at the top of his game as a professional and just a real, real special human to get to know. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) “Then when I got to know him more, he invited my wife and my children, we went around for lunch a few times. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. “We were just so lucky to have him as a friend of the club, as a supporter of the club, and as a personal friend. “His standing within the BBC and the career that he led, and the aura, just the aura that he had about him, and when he visited us he led a team building, a team development day a year or two ago, and he just had the lads in his hand, he could just conduct the audience however he wanted, he was just a special man who just had this presence and aura, and it meant as much to him to spend the day with the squad as it did for the squad to spend the day with him. He told PA: “Because the amount of effort he gave to being a Wycombe Wanderers supporter, the amount of support he gave us through thick and thin, he was there for us whenever we needed him for his support. “He would always support what we were trying to do as a football club and as a team, and he was vocal in that support, and he’d follow us and he’d do everything he possibly could to support us. [BBC](/topic/bbc) Breakfast presenter as an avid and long-term supporter of the club “meant everything”. “He was just a real, real good person, a massive supporter, our most famous supporter, one of our biggest supporters and friend of the club. [Wycombe Wanderers](/topic/wycombe-wanderers) has said [Bill Turnbull](/topic/bill-turnbull) was “one of the best men you could wish to meet”.

Turnbull, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. | ITV National News.

“And that combination of a razor-sharp intellect, wit, humour and humanity came out every day when he was on Breakfast. “There was a warmth to his broadcasting. “This was a man who’d been a correspondent in Washington, who travelled 30 countries. It was an honour to sit on his sofa. “He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Dr Sian Williams added: "He was a man who was just lovely to be with. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. He was full of brilliant advice and it was clear just how loved he was by his colleagues and the audience. He was a really decent bloke and I'm gonna miss 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.” BBC broadcaster John Simpson described Turnbull as “charming” as well as being a “sharp reporter”, while former BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern said he was "a fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend". 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.

Classic FM presenter and former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.

he was always a live wire, even early in the morning. [#BillTurnbull]on the [@BBCBreakfast] sofa many times… Sat next to He was full of brilliant advice and it was clear just how loved he was by his colleagues and the audience. [September 1, 2022] Bill, thank you for all the joy you brought us. He loved music & radio and understood its ability to connect with people on a personal level. We have lost a treasured presenter, colleague, and friend. In October 2021, Bill announced that he would take leave of absence from his weekend show. Bill began his career at Radio Clyde in 1978 and also worked in America for a number of years. Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all. As well as being an outstanding broadcaster, Bill was a family man, a devoted father and husband, who loved the company of friends (including the four-legged variety), and was passionate about music, football, nature and his beloved bees.

Tributes pour in for the former BBC Breakfast presenter who has been described as 'the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business'

In fact, they were a sign that the disease had spread to his bones. In 2020, prostate cancer became the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease. “He always struck the right tone, no matter what the story. Turnbull’s family said he had remained “resolutely positive” during his illness. We know what he meant to so many of you viewers. News of Turnbull’s death was announced on the BBC Breakfast programme.

The charity's chief executive Laura Kerby said of his incredible legacy: 'Thousands and thousands of men have come forward as a result of him helping us raise ...

‘He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. The statement continued: ‘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.’ [open about his diagnosis](https://metro.co.uk/2018/03/05/bbc-breakfasts-bill-turnbull-reveals-devastating-incurable-cancer-diagnosis-7364875/), and was an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, campaigning to raise awareness about those at risk. [BBC Breakfast](https://metro.co.uk/tag/bbc-breakfast/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P2_LNK1) star [died on Wednesday at the age of 66 after a battle with the illness](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/01/bill-turnbull-dead-bbc-breakfast-presenter-dies-17279828/), his family confirmed, with [tributes pouring in.](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/01/bill-turnbull-dead-susanna-reid-leads-tributes-to-bbc-breakfast-host-17279844/)

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 ...

He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Viewers’ familiarity with Turnbull meant that he was a welcome addition to a range of non-news related broadcasts. 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](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/bill-turnbull-symptoms-prostate-cancer-rod-stewart-men-b2157339.html). [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) He had worked at the BBC since 1986 in a variety of positions. [Turnbull discovered he had the disease while filming a celebrity edition](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bill-turnbull-prostate-cancer-bbc-breakfast-tv-presenter-a8242441.html) of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, which raises funds for the Stand Up To Cancer charity. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. [with beekeeping as his specialist subject](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/bill-turnbull-death-beekeeping-b2157420.html). [said he was at a “stalemate” with treatment](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/bill-turnbull-cancer-latest-bbc-breakfast-prostate-radio-times-a8585746.html). [speak about prostate cancer](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/prostate-cancer-symptoms-bill-turnbull-b2157382.html) and encourage men to be aware of the symptoms. [Sign up](https://amzn.to/3wUCpW9) [Susanna Reid, who has spoken of him as the “kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business”](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/bill-turnbull-death-bbc-susanna-reid-b2157355.html).

Journalist who as presenter of BBC Breakfast became a popular TV personality.

He returned to Britain in 1998, becoming a presenter on the BBC’s fledgling News 24 channel and additionally, from 1999 to 2001, Radio 5 Live’s weekend breakfast show. In 2011 he and Williams were seen interviewing Charles Dickens (played by Simon Callow) in the Doctor Who story The Wedding of River Song. During this time he reported on the Lockerbie disaster, in 1988, and the Romanian revolution the following year. “I sit on the sofa with a variety of delightful partners and we try to guide our audience into the day in as friendly and informative a manner as possible,” he once said. Born in Guildford, Surrey, to William, a barrister of Scottish descent who worked in the City of London, and Honor (nee Wicks), a teacher, Turnbull was educated at Eton and, for a term while studying politics at Edinburgh University, shared a flat with the future prime minister Gordon Brown. He was also in Washington for the 2008 and 2012 US presidential elections, and travelled around the UK during the 2010 general election.

Bill Turnbull “lived by high standards” and “encouraged those who worked with him to do the same”, his former BBC Breakfast copresenter Louise Minchin said. Minchin said Turnbull had made her laugh every day “without fail” with his “wicked, ...

he was kind, compassionate and wise and a great friend and I loved every minute of being with him, and we are really going to miss him.” Other TV appearances included on Strictly Come Dancing, ITV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. During the emotional announcement of his death, Stayt and Munchetty remembered their predecessor on the BBC One show as “our friend and former colleague” and an “amazing” journalist with a “wise head”. “He lived by high standards and expected and encouraged those of us who worked with him to do the same.” Minchin added that Turnbull had been generous with his time “both inside and outside work” and that his “wise words” had been appreciated by all. “He had a wicked, naughty sense of humour which was infectious, and the audience and the programme team loved him for it. [Bill Turnbull](/topic/bill-turnbull) “lived by high standards” and “encouraged those who worked with him to do the same”, his former BBC Breakfast copresenter [Louise Minchin](/topic/louise-minchin) said. Featuring alongside Turnbull’s other colleagues from over the years in a tribute on the BBC on Friday morning, she said: “He mentored everybody on the programme, he was like the father of BBC Breakfast. [Susanna Reid](/topic/susanna-reid) remembered her former breakfast co-host saying that he had been like the “father of BBC Breakfast”.

The broadcaster died “peacefully” at home in Suffolk on Wednesday, age 66, after a “challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer”, his family said.

he was kind, compassionate and wise and a great friend and I loved every minute of being with him, and we are really going to miss him.” Other TV appearances included on Strictly Come Dancing, ITV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. During the emotional announcement of his death, Stayt and Munchetty remembered their predecessor on the BBC One show as “our friend and former colleague” and an “amazing” journalist with a “wise head”. “He lived by high standards and expected and encouraged those of us who worked with him to do the same.” The broadcaster died “peacefully” at home in Suffolk on Wednesday, age 66, after a “challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer”, his family said.

She was among the names appearing on the programme on Friday morning to pay tribute to the show's former presenter, who died aged 66 on August 31 after a “ ...

he was kind, compassionate and wise and a great friend, and I loved every minute of being with him, and we are really going to miss him.” “But he always was kind with his time. Susanna Reid said her former breakfast co-host was like the “father of BBC Breakfast”.

The broadcaster died 'peacefully' at home in Suffolk on Wednesday, age 66.

he was kind, compassionate and wise and a great friend and I loved every minute of being with him, and we are really going to miss him.” Other TV appearances included on Strictly Come Dancing, ITV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. During the emotional announcement of his death, Stayt and Munchetty remembered their predecessor on the BBC One show as “our friend and former colleague” and an “amazing” journalist with a “wise head”. “He lived by high standards and expected and encouraged those of us who worked with him to do the same.” Minchin added that Turnbull had been generous with his time “both inside and outside work” and that his “wise words” had been appreciated by all. “He had a wicked, naughty sense of humour which was infectious, and the audience and the programme team loved him for it. [Bill Turnbull](/topic/bill-turnbull) “lived by high standards” and “encouraged those who worked with him to do the same”, his former BBC Breakfast copresenter [Louise Minchin](/topic/louise-minchin) said. Featuring alongside Turnbull’s other colleagues from over the years in a tribute on the BBC on Friday morning, she said: “He mentored everybody on the programme, he was like the father of BBC Breakfast. [Susanna Reid](/topic/susanna-reid) remembered her former breakfast co-host saying that he had been like the “father of BBC Breakfast”.

Bill Turnbull's kept a secret for his BBC Breakfast co-star Sian Williams for more than two decades, the devastated presenter has revealed in touching ...

I was fine - it was probably jetlag and nerves - the trip was memorable, the programme (eventually) was a good one and he vowed never to tell anyone what had happened. Probably the worst days of my life.” [died this week](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/breaking-bbc-breakfast-bill-turnbull-27881247) aged 66, agreed to keep the incident a secret and never told a soul. “You don’t get up at 3.30am every morning to go to work if you don’t like who you’re working with, and we trusted and respected one another. He explained: “And then this, like, dark cloud comes down. I’d just returned to work after having my first child and I was anxious to prove myself as a capable producer,” she told [The pair](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bill-turnbull) met in Arkansas in America during the 1992 US presidential election campaign when Sian was a “rookie” [BBC](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bbc) Radio 4 producer. “He called the paramedics and we spent the first evening of our trip in the hospital’s ER department. It meant a partnership based on companionship, not competition.” After his GP told him he has cancer, and that it had spread to the bone, he said: “I thought now I’ve got to deal with the future of having much less of a future than I thought I had.” [Bill](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bill-turnbull) was the BBC’s Washington correspondent at the time and he was introduced to Sian ahead of producing a Bill Clinton programme. [late TV star](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bill-turnbull) was a man of his word and kept hush for his sofa co-star Sian Williams who suffered an accident when they first met in the 90s.

Susanna Reid has said she was 'knocked sideways' by the death of her 'mentor' Bill Turnbull, calling him the 'father of BBC Breakfast'.

He became a reporter for BBC’s Breakfast Time two years later. He was delightful company’. He was so much fun to be with. everything else for Bill was irrespective and that’s an important thing to know about him’. He threw himself into everything.’ [died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/01/bill-turnbull-dead-bbc-breakfast-presenter-dies-17279828/) on Wednesday, aged 66 and following a battle with prostate [cancer](https://metro.co.uk/tag/cancer/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P2_LNK1).

Bill Turnbull was remembered by his Strictly Come Dancing partner Karen Hardy in an emotional on air tribute on BBC Breakfast this morning, as she broke ...

"Although Bill was often in pain, he was dignified and brave throughout and he was his usual determined self right until the very end. He was the heart of our family. I owe him so much because it was from that first show and my debut on TV that he made TV magical." All of that was going through my mind and then I met this man that turned out to be my mentor, friend, oh gosh, so much. Bill went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2018, a year after he found out he was battling cancer. [BBC](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bbc) Breakfast presenter tragically passed away yesterday at the age of 66 after a "challenging" five year battle with prostate cancer.

While appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Susanna Reid recalled what her former co-host Bill Turnbull had said when he was diagnosed with cancer in ...

The viewers loved him because on-screen he was who we all knew him to be off-screen.' He said: 'Because the amount of effort he gave to being a Wycombe Wanderers supporter, the amount of support he gave us through thick and thin, he was there for us whenever we needed him for his support. In 2011 he played himself in Doctor Who episode The Wedding Of River Song. he was kind, compassionate and wise and a great friend, and I loved every minute of being with him, and we are really going to miss him.' And just the level of support they gave me was incredibly powerful.' Ms Downes said Mr Turnbull was 'always upbeat and always positive' and 'very good at rousing' the campaigners through making videos, talking to the media, and hosting events where Sizewell C was discussed. He was like, he was like the child whisperer, or the dog whisperer, or Dr Dolittle. And sometimes you'd see the glint in his eye and you'd go, 'Oh, no, I'm gonna go' and once I'd gone, there was no stopping. We were just so lucky to have him as a friend of the club, as a supporter of the club, and as a personal friend. And Bill, very gently, took that in hand, and he encouraged my son to throw a ball for Bonnie, Bill's beloved black labrador. I remember when he presented on this programme, we called him a 'saucepot' because he definitely had a way with the double entendres, he really did. Then when I got to know him more, he invited my wife and my children, we went around for lunch a few times.

STRICTLY COME DANCING professional Karen Hardy broke down in tears as she read out her final text from Bill Turnbull.

“It seemed like a forest and there was this beautiful driveway we drove up to and all the way along I was thinking, ‘What have I done? Does he even know who I am? Does he even know what I’ve achieved?’ I’m coming out of retirement, I’ve won these titles, what am I doing?’ It was just fun.” “You’ve done it eloquently, you’ve done it elegantly and you’ve painted a picture of a man we all loved and you’ve absolutely done him proud.”

Bill Turnbull's Strictly Come Dancing partner Karen Hardy remembered the star in an emotional on air tribute on BBC Breakfast this morning, as she broke ...

"Although Bill was often in pain, he was dignified and brave throughout and he was his usual determined self right until the very end. He was the heart of our family. I owe him so much because it was from that first show and my debut on TV that he made TV magical." [Bill](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/health-fitness/bill-turnbulls-early-prostate-cancer-27882816) tragically passed away this week at the age of 66 following a "challenging" five-year battle with prostate cancer. All of that was going through my mind and then I met this man that turned out to be my mentor, friend, oh gosh, so much. "Our lovely Billy died yesterday evening. Almost five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Believe it or not the last time the phones went crazy like this from the media, was the passing of Bruce Forsyth," she said. I'm always grateful to you for that.'" Some of the best fun I ever had. "Yeah it’s a big shock. "It’s something to reflect with this gentleman, such a gentleman, such a mentor.

Broadcaster Turnbull died at home in Suffolk on Wednesday at the age of 66.

he was kind, compassionate and wise and a great friend, and I loved every minute of being with him, and we are really going to miss him.” [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. “But he always was kind with his time. By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism Turnbull’s family praised the treatment he received at the Royal Marsden and Ipswich hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and from his GP, and said in a statement: “He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues and messages from people wishing him luck. “He taught me everything, he taught so many of us everything about journalism, about television and about being a decent person in this industry… [Bill](/topic/bill), and you know, he was ill at the time, but he took time out of his day to have a long conversation with me about that. “And I think we all really appreciated that, you know, he had a huge stature, a very important reputation, but he always would give back to all of us.” [Louise Minchin](/topic/louise-minchin) has praised [Bill Turnbull](/topic/bill-turnbull) for being “kind with his time” as she revealed he was one of the first people she consulted when she decided to leave [BBC](/topic/bbc) [Breakfast](/topic/breakfast). She told BBC Breakfast: “I think it was kindness and generosity with his time and even when I was still in contact with him – we’re still members of a lottery syndicate which I’m still playing and I will go on playing, by the way.

'He was the best' Former BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid said Bill Turnbull was 'the funniest, kindest, most supportive' of all her on screen partners ...

“But he always was kind with his time. “He was a very loyal friend, and a very supportive friend. “I mean, he could converse with the animals. “My middle son at the time was absolutely petrified of any animals. So for example, when I took the decision to leave BBC Breakfast, the first person, one of the first people, I talked (to) about making that decision was Bill, and you know, he was ill at the time, but he took time out of his day to have a long conversation with me about that. And when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, he was one of the first to reach out and say he was thinking of me and connected with me in that way,” she recalled. She said: “I think it was kindness and generosity with his time and even when I was still in contact with him – we’re still members of a lottery syndicate which I’m still playing and I will go on playing, by the way. [Louise Minchin](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/Louise-Minchin) was also among the people featured during the BBC’s tributes and revealed Bill was one of the first people she consulted when she decided to leave BBC Breakfast in 2021. “And then when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, we did an interview together for the Radio Times where he talked really openly about having things going on in his body with his bones aching and not quite knowing what was going on, and wishing that he had gone to see the doctor sooner. [Naga Munchetty](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/Naga-Munchetty) and [Charlie Stayt](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/Charlie-Stayt) how his dogs were “such an important part of his life”, Susanna said: “When we all moved up to Salford he invited me and my family, my children, to his home to spend the day with Sesi and the dogs. [Susanna Reid](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/susanna-reid) and [Sian Williams](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/sian-williams) returned to [BBC Breakfast](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/bbc-breakfast) on Friday to remember [Bill Turnbull](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/bill-turnbull) in a special edition of the show dedicated to their late former co-host. We couldn’t have a pet at home, he would be scared if there was a cat in the garden, and he was literally sitting in the kitchen.