TV and radio presenter Bill Turnbull excitedly spoke about returning to his Classic FM show just weeks ago after a ten-month break due to his ill health – then spent a ‘wonderful’ last week with his family before his death aged 66.

Turnbull’s relatives said the former BBC Breakfast presenter died ‘peacefully’ at home in Suffolk yesterday after a ‘challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer’ which had been diagnosed in November 2017. 

He had written in a tweet on August 4: ‘Roll over Beethoven – BIll Turnbull’s back @ClassicFM!Yes, I’m returning to host the most exciting classical music show on the airwaves this Saturday from 10 till 1. Don’t miss it!’

Turnbull went on to present three final Saturday morning shows on Classic FM on August 6, 13 and 20 – with the radio station tweeting last month that it was ‘a delight to have much-loved broadcaster Bill Turnbull back’.

The news of his death was also announced live on air by his emotional former colleagues Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt during this morning’s BBC Breakfast. Both visibly tearful, the duo remembered their predecessor on the BBC One morning show as ‘our friend and former colleague’ and an ‘amazing’ journalist with a ‘wise head’. 

Turnbull, who appeared on the programme from 2001 until 2016, revealed the diagnosis in March 2018 and detailed his treatment in a Channel 4 documentary called Staying Alive.

In October last year Turnbull announced he was taking a leave of absence from his show on Classic FM for health reasons.But he returned to the radio station last month to host on Saturday mornings. Classic FM confirmed to MailOnline that his last show was just 12 days ago, on August 20.

Stayt said on BBC Breakfast today: ‘Welcome back. We have some sad news to bring you this morning.Our former colleague, former Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has died. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017.’

Munchetty then read out a statement from his wife Sesi which said: ‘Our lovely Billy died yesterday evening almost five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.The last week of his life was very special – as the whole family was with him and we shared some wonderful moments.’

Former BBC Breakfast and Classic FM presenter Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66, his family revealed this morning

Former BBC Breakfast and Classic FM presenter Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66, his family revealed this morning

TV and radio presenter Bill Turnbull excitedly spoke about returning to his Classic FM show just weeks ago on August 4

TV and radio presenter Bill Turnbull excitedly spoke about returning to his Classic FM show just weeks ago on August 4

Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid present ITV's Good Morning Britain together on February 26, 2020

Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid present ITV’s Good Morning Britain together on February 26, 2020

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The news was also announced live on air by his emotional former colleagues Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt,” itemprop=”description” />

<video controls="" class="video-js vjs-default-skin" website Munchetty fights back tears paying tribute to Bill website BBC and ITV television host Bill Turnbull died at home yesterday at the age of 66, his family revealed this morning.

The news was also announced live on air by his emotional former colleagues Naga Munchetty and Charlie website preload=”none”>

Bill Turnbull with his wife Sesi as he leaves BBC Breakfast for the last time after 15 years of service on February 26, 2016

Bill Turnbull with his wife Sesi as he leaves BBC Breakfast for the last time after 15 years of service on February 26, 바다이야기릴게임 2016

Bill Turnbull with his daughter Flora Turnbull in a Twitter post for his birthday that she posted on January 25, 2021

Bill Turnbull with his daughter Flora Turnbull in a Twitter post for his birthday that she posted on January 25, 2021

Bill Turnbull was a contestant in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, when he partnered with Karen Hardy

Bill Turnbull was a contestant in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, when he partnered with Karen Hardy

The news was announced on BBC Breakfast today by his emotional former colleagues Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty

The news was announced on BBC Breakfast today by his emotional former colleagues Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty 

BBC Breakfast hosts past and present celebrate the programme's 25th anniversary in 2012, including (Left to Right) Angela Rippon, Francis Wilson, Chris Hollins, Glyn Christian, Selena Scott, Sue Cook, Sian Williams, Mike Smith and Bill Turnbull

BBC Breakfast hosts past and present celebrate the programme’s 25th anniversary in 2012, including (Left to Right) Angela Rippon, Francis Wilson, Chris Hollins, Glyn Christian, Selena Scott, Sue Cook, Sian Williams, Mike Smith and Bill Turnbull

Presenters Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid on the BBC Breakfast set in Salford, Greater Manchester, on April 2012

Presenters Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid on the BBC Breakfast set in Salford, Greater Manchester, on April 2012

(left to right) Charlie Stayt, Carol Kirkwood, Bill Turnbull, Simon Jack, Louise Minchin and Chris Hollins with the award for 'Best TV Daytime Programme' at the TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Annual Awards in London in March 2010

(left to right) Charlie Stayt, Carol Kirkwood, Bill Turnbull, Simon Jack, Louise Minchin and Chris Hollins with the award for ‘Best TV Daytime Programme’ at the TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Annual Awards in London in March 2010

Camilla walks with Bill Turnbull as she attends a Bees for Development event at Marlborough House in London in June 2019

Camilla walks with Bill Turnbull as she attends a Bees for Development event at Marlborough House in London in June 2019

Stayt added: ‘She goes on to say even though he was often in pain, Bill was dignified and brave throughout and he was his usual determined self right until the very end.Billy made us laugh everyday and we are immensely proud of him. He was the heart of our family, it is hard to imagine life without him.’

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