TV presenter and journalist Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer, his family has confirmed.
Popular TV anchor Bill Turnbull was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 – forcing him to temporarily step down from his Classic FM radio show.
Despite his illness, Bill continued his work and even replaced Piers Morgan in Good Morning Britain, in 2021.
Tributes have poured in from friends and former colleagues, with Piers Morgan and Dan Walker leading the way.
Piers Morgan took to Twitter to share his condolences for “one of the best broadcasters in Britain”.
He said: “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.”
Dan Walker’s heartfelt tribute read: “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.”
Read our Bill Turnbull blog below for the latest updates…
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Bill had the public in stitches
In 2020, Bill sent fans into fits of laughter on GMB when he lost his earpiece on live TV.
Susannah told viewers that Bill was having a ‘Hump Day’ Wednesday.
He replied: “And I’ve forgotten my contact lenses and I’m having to wear glasses. And then my earpiece popped out and we can’t find it.”
A clip was then shown of the entire production team scrambling around to find the missing gadget during an ad break.
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Naga visibly distraught
Naga Munchetty, was visibly distraught as she informed the nation of Bill’s passing this morning.
Speaking about Bill, who spent 15 years on the show until his departure in 2016, Naga said: “I can only say as a team we are in shock this morning, we know what he meant to so many of you viewers.
“I can honestly say after having worked with Bill so closely, as Mike you did, Charlie, we all did, he cared so much about this programme and the audience.”
She added: “I did my first ever presenting shift with him on Breakfast. He drove this programme and that’s what great presenters do and great journalists do, and we are all sending our thoughts and condolences as well to Sessie and Bill’s family. We will miss him very much.”
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Live slip-up
Although he was a consummate professional, Bill had the occasional slip-up live on air.
In 2015, he suffered a major gaffe when he accidentally dropped the C-bomb.
He stumbled on his words as he attempted to say “clients” but ended up saying “c***s” instead.
The experienced broadcaster quickly regained his composure and carried on with the segment like nothing had happened.
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Prostate cancer UK pays tribute to Bill Turnbull
The official Twitter of account of Prostate Cancer UK has paid tribute to the late Bill Turnbull, who passed away from the illness this week.
“Our friend and ambassador Bill Turnbull has died,” the statement read.
“Bill worked tirelessly to raise awareness of prostate cancer following his diagnosis in 2017, and it was our privilege to work alongside him. Our thoughts are with Bill’s loved ones today.”
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Who to contact if you have symptoms of prostate cancer
Bill Turnbull, the legendary BBC presenter, has died after a long battle with prostate cancer, an illness that affects 1 in 8 men.
Men often struggle to speak to doctors about their health problems, but calling your GP early can save lives.
If you have any of the symptoms below, it is crucial that you call your GP.
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to pee
- Weak flow
- Straining and taking a long time while peeing
- Feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
Your GP might suggest having tests if you have symptoms of a prostate problem.
The main tests are a urine test, PSA blood test, and digital rectal examination.
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The SIX prostate cancer symptoms to look out for
Iconic BBC presenter Bill Turnbull passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer this week.
1 in 8 men will experience the illness at one point in their lives, so it is crucial you recognise the signs.
Here are the six key symptoms of the disease:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to pee
- Weak flow
- Straining and taking a long time while peeing
- Feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
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What did Bill Turnbull say after his diagnosis?
The defiant 63-year-old said: “I’m not dying yet, I just don’t feel that way. I understand that I may succumb to the disease eventually and that’s a very real possibility, a probability. But not for some time.
“So every day I go down the bottom of my garden, usually at night-time, and I shout at my cancer and tell it to get stuffed. I use much stronger language.
“I also say, ‘Not today. In a couple of weeks time I might not feel so good. But right now you’re not having me’.
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Bill Turnbull’s Game of Thrones mix up
It’s happened to all of us, you’re chatting with someone and embarrassingly get their name wrong.
Well, Bill Turnbull made the mix-up when speaking to Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington.
After chatting to Kit about the death of his alter ego, Bill said: “Thanks very much, Jon.”
Kit, who wasn’t offended and saw the funny side, assured him: “It’s alright, it happens.”
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Bill Turnbull’s hilarious dig at Piers Morgan
Bill Turnbull was a mainstay on British screens for almost two decades, and over that time he had some truly hilarious moments.
In a hilarious dig at the controversial host, Bill made a joke that he would storm off the set like Piers Morgan infamously did in March 2021.
While welcoming viewers to the show, which had run behind time, he said: “Good Morning Britain, it is now five minutes past eight. For a moment I thought I was going to have to storm out the studio.”
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Strictly looks back on Bill’s iconic spell on the show
Strictly Come Dancing has looked back on Bill Turnbull’s time on the show.
Bill stunned viewers, floating across the dancefloor and becoming an expert ballroom dancer.
“Sending heartfelt condolences to Bill Turnbull’s family and friends. A truly brilliant broadcaster turned ballroom dancer when he joined us on series three of Strictly,” Strictly’s statement read.
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What TV shows has Bill Turnbull appeared in?
Turnbull is famed for his role on BBC Breakfast, but else had he been in?
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.
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Naga Munchetty holds back tears as she announces Bill Turnbull’s death live on TV
Close friend and former co-presenter of the BBC Legend, Naga Munchetty, was visibly distraught as she informed the nation of Bill’s passing.
News broke this morning that Bill, 66, had died after a battle with prostate cancer.
Speaking about Bill, who spent 15 years on the show until his departure in 2016, Naga said: “I can only say as a team we are in shock this morning, we know what he meant to so many of you viewers.
“I can honestly say after having worked with Bill so closely, as Mike you did, Charlie, we all did, he cared so much about this programme and the audience.”
She added: “I did my first ever presenting shift with him on Breakfast. He drove this programme and that’s what great presenters do and great journalists do, and we are all sending our thoughts and condolences as well to Sessie and Bill’s family. We will miss him very much.”
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Bill Turnbull’s heartbreaking message ahead of Classic FM return
Prior to his passing, Bill was set to return to his role at radio station Classic FM
He told his followers: “Roll over Beethoven – BIll Turnbull’s back @Classicfm!
“Yes, I’m returning to host the most exciting classical music show on the airwaves this Saturday from 10 till 1. Don’t miss it!”
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Inside Bill Turnbull’s final GMB appearance
Bill Turnball’s final Good Morning Britain appearance with friend and co-star Susanna Reid has resurfaced following his tragic passing.
During the show aired on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Bill discussed everything from the coronavirus lockdown to a controversial Marilyn Monroe statue, as well as interviewing former UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
He also told how he had been labelled a “saucepot” in a spot of banter with Susanna.
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BBC top brass leads tributes to Bill Turnbull
The BBC’s Director-general, Tim Davie, has paid tribute to the late broadcaster.
Mr Davie said: “Bill was a much loved and respected broadcaster and journalist – not just by viewers but by all those lucky enough to have worked with him.
“He always struck the right tone, no matter what the story. Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all.
“Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.” -
NHS England remembers Bill Turnbull
Britain’s National Health Service took to Twitter this morning to pay tribute to iconinc BBC broadcaster Bill Turnbull.
In its post, the NHS highlighted the dangers of prostate cancer, stating 1 in 8 men will battle it in their lifetimes.
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Former colleague pays tribute to Bill Turnbull
Weather presenter Alex Beresford worked with Bill on Good Morning Britain, and shared a video of the pair doing yoga together.
“Such sad news!” he tweeted.
“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”
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BBC breakfast star Louise Minchin remembers Bill Turnbull
Former BBC Breakfast co-presenter Louise Minchin remembered Bill’s famed sense of humour as she paid tribut to him on Twitter
“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,” she tweeted.
“Most of all he was great fun, I love how he made me laugh. Xx”
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Who is most at risk of prostate cancer?
The NHS website says the risk of prostate cancer increases as you get older, with most cases developing in men aged 50 or older.
Black men are more likely to be affected, while it is less common among Asians.
Recent research suggests obesity increases the risk.
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Bill Turnbull described chemo as ‘unbearable’
“I just couldn’t bear it any longer,” the legendary host said.
“It’s the fact that having cancer is so relentlessly boring. You go to bed at night thinking about it, and it’s still there when you wake up.
“It’s there all day, every day – a fact of life you have to get used to. And it’s a massive pain in the backside.”
“it felt as if the chemo was now taking on a life of its own, like some malevolent gremlin”.
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Statement from Bill Turnbull’s family
Bill Turnbull’s family have released a touching tribute following his tragic passing.
A statement said: “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.”
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Susanna Reid’s touching tribute to Bill Turnbull
The two legendary broadcasters worked together for many years.
In a statement, Reid said: “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.”
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Robert Rinder remembers Bill Turnbull
Tributes have flooded in for the late broadcaster following his tragic passing yesterday.
“A truly lovely, bright & decent human,” Rinder said.
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Piers Morgan pays tribute to Bill Turnbull
The world-famous presenter and commentator paid tribute to the iconic journalist.
“RIP Bill Turnbull, 66,” he said.
“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.”