After learning of the journalist’s passing today, Bill Turnbull’s former Strictly Come Dancing partner sent the journalist a moving tribute, saying that he “made TV wonderful.”
In a BBC News interview, Karen Hardy, 52, sobbed as she praised the celebrity and referred to him as a “gentleman” and “mentor.”
It was all about pursuing the truth and discovering it no matter what, she said, adding that he “educated me about the news.” The dancer was filled with emotion and had to stop many times to collect herself.
Turnbull and Hardy participated in the third season of strictly in 2005. The duo was the eighth dance couple to be eliminated from the competition.
Following on-air tributes from Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, two of Turnbull’s former BBC Breakfast coworkers, she spoke.
He passed away quietly at home in Suffolk yesterday after a “difficult and devoted struggle against prostate cancer,” which was discovered in November 2017, according to a statement from his family, which was read aloud.
The celebrity “liked this show and he enjoyed serving you, the audience,” according to Munchetty.
So I’m sure you’ll miss him, but we will too,’ said Stayt, who also noted that the man had a clever brain and didn’t take himself too seriously when sitting in this position.
The pair, who were both clearly in tears, described their predecessor as “our friend and former colleague” and a “great” journalist on the BBC One morning programme.
Turnbull confirmed the illness in March 2018 and described his treatment in a Staying Alive series for Channel 4, appearing on the show from 2001 to 2016.
Turnbull stated in October of last year that he would be taking a leave of absence from his Classic FM programme due to health concerns.
But last month, he went back to the radio station to anchor the Saturday morning show. His most recent performance occurred on August 20, as Classic FM verified to MailOnline.
Today on BBC Breakfast, Stayt said: “Welcome back. We now need to break some bad news to you.
Bill Turnbull, a former breakfast host and one of our old coworkers, has passed away. In 2017, he received a cancer diagnosis.
A statement from Billy’s wife Sesi was then read out by Munchetty. It said, “Our dear Billy died last evening, over five years after being diagnosed with severe prostate cancer.
The whole family was there during his last week of life, and we had many great moments.