Shaken Naga Munchetty chokes up after learning of BBC newsreader George Alagiah’s death live on-air-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

Naga Munchetty has expressed her sadness over the death of her BBC colleague George Alagiah, after finding out that he had died while she was live on-air.

On Monday July 24, it was announced that Alagiah had died at the age of 67 after suffering from stage four bowel cancer.

In a statement, his agent Mary Greenham told PA that he was surrounded by his family and loved ones as he died ‘peacefully’, stating: ‘George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.’

Her statement continued: ‘George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public. He simply was a wonderful human being.

‘My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family.’

While presenting BBC Radio 5 Live, Munchetty sounded as though she was on the verge of tears as she informed her listeners of the news, her voice cracking up as she paid homage to Alagiah.

‘Apologies for the emotion in my voice,’ the presenter said tearfully (Picture: BBC/Getty)

‘We’ve had the very sad news that our colleague George Alagiah, BBC presenter – you all know him – who has been living with bowel cancer since 2014 – he has since stepped back from presenting BBC News,’ she said.

‘We’ve just heard the news he has died [aged 67]. We’ve just heard that from his agent,’

As Munchetty became choked up, the BBC Breakfast presenter said: ‘Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our news room.

‘We’ve had that news, we’ll bring you more a little bit later, Rebecca apologies for the interruption, you have the rest of the sport.’

More to follow.

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