Entertainment
George Alagiah takes break from BBC amid ‘further spread of cancer’
It was confirmed the newsreader would be taking a break from presenting duties (Picture: PA)
BBC newsreader George Alagiah is to take a break from presenting duties as he deals with ‘a further spread of cancer’.
His agent confirmed the news today, after the 65-year-old journalist was first diagnosed with the illness in 2014 and again in 2017.
In a statement, his agent said: ‘George Alagiah, presenter of BBC News At Six, Britain’s most watched news programme, is to take a break from studio duties to deal with a further spread of cancer.
‘He was first diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in April 2014. In a letter to colleagues in the newsroom Mr Alagiah said his medical team had decided to hit the new tumour “hard and fast”.’
They went on: ‘He is due to undergo a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the next few months.
‘He added that working on the programme “has kept me sane over the last few years” and “I’m determined to come back”.’
After having been off air due to his illness, Alagiah had been back on television on the BBC News At Six following his previous treatment.
The presenter previously opened up on his diagnosis (Picture: BBC)
The 64-year-old journalist was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and underwent 17 rounds of chemotherapy. He later said it had spread to his lymph nodes and liver.
He returned to presenting duties in 2015 after making progress against the disease, and said he was a “richer person” for it.
His cancer returned in December 2017, and the presenter underwent further treatment before once again returning to work.
Doctors discovered last year the cancer had also spread to his lungs in April after he tested positive for coronavirus in March.
Alagiah told The Times last year: ‘My doctors have never used the word “chronic” or “cure” about my cancer.
‘They’ve never used the word “terminal” either. I’ve always said to my oncologist, “Tell me when I need to sort my affairs out”, and he’s not told me that, but what he did tell me is that the cancer is now in a third organ. It is in my lungs.’
More: BBC
He added: ‘I said to my doctor, “You’re going to have to do the worrying for me.” I don’t want to fill my mind with worry. I just know that he’s a clever guy, doing everything he can.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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