BBC stars arrive at George Alagiahs memorial service after journalists tragic death

BBC stars gathered to remember the beloved journalist George Alagiah at his memorial service. The respected newsreader, who sadly passed away aged 67 after a long battle with bowel cancer, was honoured by many of his colleagues.

George, who was the face of BBC One's News At Six since 2007, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in April 2014. His death was announced in a touching statement from his agent Mary Greenham.

The memorial service took place at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square, London. Many reflections were shared on George's successful career. Among those attending were former and current BBC stars, as well as George's wife Frances Robathan and their two children.

Sophie Raworth, a former colleague and close friend of George, read out his own words at the end of the service. She said: "We end the programme today with George in his own words. If you haven't already told the people you love, that you love them, tell them. If you haven't already told them how vulnerable you sometimes feel, tell them."

"If you want to tell them that you would like to be with them until the front hall stairs feel like Everest, tell them. You never know what is coming around the corner. And if, lucky you, there is nothing around the corner, then at least you got your defence in first," she told the congregation.

Mishal Husain, Fiona Bruce, and Ms Raworth were among the presenters in attendance at the service. Other presenters at the service included Nick Robinson, Sian Williams, Mark Austin, Natasha Kaplinsky, Fergus Walsh, Simon McCoy, Reeta Chakrabarti and Matthew Amroliwala.

Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence – Prince Anne's husband – was also there. The service was led by Reverend Dr Sam Wells and the service also featured music from the London African Gospel Choir. Following his death, his agent released a statement which read: "I am so terribly sorry to inform you that George Alagiah died peacefully today, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

"George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today. 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."

BBC's longest-serving and most respected newsreader, George Alagiah, was remembered by his colleagues and friends, including Naga Munchetty and Gary Lineker. After enduring two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver, he announced in October 2015 that his treatment was over and returned to BBC News At Six a month later.

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