Bill Turnbull death: Former BBC Breakfast host dies aged 66

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66, his family has said.

The radio and TV presenter was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and had taken a leave of absence from his radio show at Classic FM to focus on his health in October 2021.

Turnbull returned to his Classic FM show in August, but died at home on Wednesday (31 August).

A spokesperson on behalf of the family said: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, 31 August.

“Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP.”

The statement went on to describe 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.

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 had undergone 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.

Prior to his role on Classic FM, Turnbull was the host of BBC Breakfast for 15 years, before exiting the show in 2016.

During his time on BBC Breakfast, he presented alongside Sian Williams, Susanna Reid, Kate Silverton, Natasha Kaplinsky and Louise Minchin.

Prior to this, 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, the OJ Simpson trial as well as a rain-drenched appearance on Breakfast during a hurricane in Florida.

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.”