Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died at the age of 66 after a long battle with prostate cancer, his family has said.

They said the presenter and journalist died “peacefully” at home in Suffolk on Wednesday, surrounded by his family following a “challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer”.

Turnbull had announced his battle with the disease in 2018, following his diagnosis the previous year.

Turnbull detailed his cancer treatment in 2019 Channel 4 documentary Staying Alive.

Poignantly, his diagnosis with prostate cancer had coincided with his filming of a celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off – in aid of the charity Stand Up to Cancer.

He had received treatment from Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, as well as latterly St Elizabeth Hospice. His family praised his care, as well as the support of friends, colleagues, and fans.

Highlighting his openness about both his diagnosis and treatment, they added: “It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.”

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His former BBC Breakfast co-host Susanna Reid paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.

“But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much.”

A favourite with viewers, Turnbull hosted BBC Breakfast for 15 years, from 2001 to 2016, also presenting alongside journalists including Sian Williams, Kate Silverton, Natasha Kaplinsky and Louise Minchin in that time.

Turnbull went on to present Songs of Praise and game show Think Tank.

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