BILL Turnbull’s final TV appearance with close friend and co-star Susanna Reid has resurfaced following his tragic passing.
The former BBC Breakfast frontman and Classic FM host died today aged 66, after a long battle with cancer.
Bill Turnbull’s final TV appearance with close friend Susanna Reid has resurfaced in the aftermath of his death
Bill and Susanna had a close bond after previously working together on BBC Breakfast
Susanna led the emotional tributes today, stating she felt “lucky” to have worked with Bill and was “heartbroken” on behalf of his family.
Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 – forcing him to temporarily step down from his radio show.
Despite his illness, he continued his work and even replaced Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain, in 2021.
During the show aired on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Bill discussed everything from the coronavirus lockdown to a controversial Marilyn Monroe statue, as well as interviewing former UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
He also told how he had been labelled a “saucepot” in a spot of banter with Susanna.
Yet it is his hilarious TV appearance on GMB with Susanna the year before, which will no doubt continue to make fans smile in the aftermath of his passing, that captured Bill sending the programme into chaos as he lost his earpiece on the ITV set.
In February 2020, viewers were delighted as Bill reunited with Susanna six years after they fronted BBC Breakfast together.
However, the programme descended into chaos when he lost his earpiece in the ad break.
Susanna was in hysterics as they played footage of the entire cast and crew searching for the tiny piece of tech to the Benny Hill music.
Susanna mocked her co-presenter: “You know that they call Wednesday hump day. Bill is really having one of those Wednesdays.
“So you’d forgotten to put your teeth in earlier and was having trouble breathing.”
Bill continues: “I’d forgotten to put my contact lenses in and have to wear my glasses.
“My earpiece popped out in the break and we can’t find it anywhere. So the entire team – thousands of people who work in the studio…”
Susanna added: “If you think we’ve staged this we absolutely did not, this is what happened in the break.”
However, one of the people in the studio found the earpiece lodged in the scripts, which was obvious once everyone was on the other side of the desk.
Bill’s family confirmed his passing in a statement today.
It read: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday, 31st August.
“Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP.
“He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.
“Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster who brought warmth and humour into people’s homes on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM.
“He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.”
Good Morning Britain host Susanna, who worked with Bill on BBC Breakfast for many years, led the tributes and wrote: “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.”
Bill joined BBC Breakfast in 2001 as a presenter alongside Sian Williams and they worked together until 2012 when she departed after the programme moved from London to Salford.
The presenter co-anchored alongside Susanna, with the pair presenting together until 2014, when she left the show to join ITV.
Bill’s fellow broadcasters and famous friends also rushed to pay their respects.
Dan Walker tweeted: “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.”
Piers Morgan shared his thoughts: “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.”
Bill was all smiles on the ITV show, broadcast in May 2021, as he confessed he had been branded a ‘saucepot’ for the first time ever
Susanna led the celebrity tributes to Bill, stating she felt ‘lucky’ to know him
The Classic FM host’s family confirmed his death, aged 66, today
