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 passed away peacefully at home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday after a “challenging” fight with advanced prostate cancer, they said.
Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and went public with the diagnosis the following year. He presented his last show on Classic FM just two weeks ago.
Philip Noyce – Managing Editor, Classic FM, has paid tribute: “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.
“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. 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.
“We have lost an exceptionally talented broadcaster, but most of all we’ve said goodbye to a fine man who will be dearly missed by us all at Classic FM, as well as his many listeners.”
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General also paid tribute: “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.”
Bill began his career at Radio Clyde in 1978 and also worked in America for a number of years. He joined the BBC as a reporter for Radio 4’s Today programme in 1986 and Breakfast Time as a reporter in 1988.
He’s best known for his time at BBC Breakfast, which he joined in 2001 until 2016 when he joined Classic FM to present weekend shows.
Bill also launched and presented Pet Classics, Classic FM’s programmes to help keep pets and their owners relaxed and calm during fireworks season. In October 2021, Bill announced that he would take leave of absence from his weekend show. He returned to Classic FM in August this year, to host Saturday mornings.
This is so very sad. We have lost a treasured presenter, colleague, and friend. He loved music & radio and understood its ability to connect with people on a personal level. Bill, thank you for all the joy you brought us. You will always be missed. https://t.co/HTLzlWFQFR
— Philip Noyce (@philnoycey) September 1, 2022
We are very sad to say that Bill Turnbull, one of the nation’s most admired broadcasters who was much-loved by all at Classic FM and Global, has died aged 66.
Our thoughts are with Bill’s family at this time. https://t.co/Bwd6dvFuOS
— Global (@global) September 1, 2022
"Warm, wise, professional and caring, he will be much missed by us all." BBC Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Bill Turnbull pic.twitter.com/NSK8TZRHOo
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) September 1, 2022
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. Most of all he was great fun, I love how he made me laugh. Xx pic.twitter.com/5rC8drv8om
— Louise Minchin (@louiseminchin) September 1, 2022
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.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) September 1, 2022
Always this. 💔😔 Thank you for making us smile, the adorable Bill Turnbull. https://t.co/XPUqnkYTXz
— ranvir singh (@ranvir01) September 1, 2022
Such sad news. So many of us grew up watching him broadcast. He oozed warmth and grit in perfect balance. #RIPBillTurnbull: Former BBC Breakfast presenter dies aged 66 https://t.co/Sx0kOZYvCN
— Sangita Myska (@SangitaMyska) September 1, 2022
We're sorry to hear this very sad news this morning, Bill Turnbull was a fantastic addition to the @ClassicFM family and will be greatly missed by many. https://t.co/4y8Hh07UUj
— Radiocentre (@Radiocentre) September 1, 2022
So sad to learn of the death of Bill Turnbull…broadcaster and bee-keeper, extraordinaire.
Bill was a master of the old school: informed, charming, collegiate, competitive but ever courteous.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends.— Alastair Stewart (@AlStewartOBE) September 1, 2022
Very sad news hearing that Bill Turnbull has passed away. 66 is nothing. He came across on screen as a thoroughly nice, decent bloke. One of life’s good guys. #RIPBill
— Dave Brookes (@TheDaveBrookes) September 1, 2022
Oh gosh, I’m so very very sad to read this news this morning. Sat next to #BillTurnbull on the @BBCBreakfast sofa many times… he was always a live wire, even early in the morning. Full of fun and anecdotes. Bloody #cancer. https://t.co/1CldRuOZ0y
— Jane Hill (@JaneHillNews) September 1, 2022
"Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster." 💜https://t.co/laBxmQ1eKf
— Smooth Radio (@SmoothRadio) September 1, 2022
Very sad to learn of the death of Bill Turnbull: kind man, legendary broadcaster – we were colleagues as young reporters at Capital Radio – always good fun he will be much missed https://t.co/fk9HSRPwpR
— Rod McKenzie (@RHARodMcKenzie) September 1, 2022
Such sad news, about Bill Turnbull. Our paths crossed v briefly, at a @global presenters' photoshoot. Having experienced the impact a prostate cancer diagnosis can have, I feel so sad for Bill's family and friends.
MEN: get your prostate checked. https://t.co/ZS3Gx10ljS— Lucy Beresford (@LucyBeresford) September 1, 2022
RIP Bill Turnbull, 66.
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. pic.twitter.com/8MLEgwyY4v— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 1, 2022
Posted on Thursday, September 1st, 2022 at 10:11 am by Steve Collins