EMOTIONAL tributes have poured in for ITV newsreader Nicola Heywood-Thomas, who has died aged 67.
Nicola, from Cardiff, Wales, was one of the “most iconic faces” in Welsh broadcasting, best known for her 18-year stint as the main news presenter on HTV, which went on to become ITV Wales.
Nicola Heywood-Thomas was one of the ‘most iconic faces’ in Welsh broadcasting
A touching tribute from the network said: “The ITV Cymru Wales family are very sad to hear of the passing of broadcaster Nicola Heywood-Thomas.
“As one of ITV Cymru Wales’ most iconic faces, she anchored Wales at Six for more than 15 years.
“Thoughts are with all her friends and colleagues tonight.”
The mum-of-three had suffered from several health issues in recent months, but only stopped broadcasting in February this year.
News anchor Jonathan Hill, a former colleague of hers, announced her death on Wales at Six yesterday evening.
He said: “I am afraid we have some very sad news to share with you. Our friend and colleague, former HTV presenter Nicola Heywood-Thomas sadly passed away earlier today.
“We have of course presented many editions of this programme together and she will be greatly, greatly missed by all of us here at ITV Cymru Wales.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.”
In a career spanning three decades, Nicola worked across major TV and radio outlets and was a BAFYA Cymru winner.
She joined BBC Wales as a researcher straight out of university and went on to work as a sub-editor, reporter and presenter on Wales Today.
After her time with HTV, she rejoined the Beeb, hosting the Radio Wales Arts Show and working on arts coverage for BBC Radio 3.
Other former colleagues took to social media to express their heartbreak.
Carolyn Hitt, editor of Radio Wales, said the station was “deeply saddened” by Nicola’s death.
She added that the star was “hugely respected and admired” and that she “championed Welsh culture and hated the idea that the arts were some kind of posh pursuit for the elite”.
Meanwhile, Nicola’s friend Hugh Canning tweeted: “Devastating news – my oldest friend, Nicola Heywood-Thomas, broadcaster extraordinaire, passed away today.
“We met in my first year at Oxford – 1972 – when she was 16 & I was 18 and we have been friends ever since. I owe her so much. RIP Nicola.”
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