Bill Turnbull, former BBC Breakfast host, dies aged 66

"Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice and his GP," the statement said.

"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."

Turnbull hosted BBC Breakfast for 15 years between 2001 and 2016, while his broadcasting career also saw him present Songs of Praise and front the short-lived BBC One quiz show Think Tank.

He began his journalism career at Radio Clyde in 1978 and went on to work for the Today programme and Breakfast Time before becoming a correspondent for BBC News in 1990.

After several years working on stories in the US, he then became a main presenter on BBC News 24 in 1997 before his move to BBC Breakfast four years later.

After he left the show in 2016, he began presenting a regular show on Classic FM, where he continued to work until recently.

Throughout his career, he also made appearances on a number of popular shows such as Would I Lie To You and Pointless Celebrities, and most notably featured as a contestant in the third season of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing sixth.

Among those to pay tribute to Turnbull is BBC Director-General Tim Davie, who described him as "a much loved and respected broadcaster and journalist".

"He always struck the right tone, no matter what the story," he added. "Warm, wise, professional, and caring, he will be much missed by us all. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”

Meanwhile, a statement from Classic FM's Managing Editor Phillip Noyce read, "I’m deeply saddened by this news. Bill was an absolute treasure of Classic FM whose presence on and off the air will forever be missed. He was a very gifted journalist and presenter, and he loved radio and understood its ability to connect with people on a personal level – something he did with ease and aplomb."

The statement continued: "As well as being an outstanding broadcaster, Bill was a family man, a devoted father and husband, who loved the company of friends (including the four-legged variety), and was passionate about music, football, nature and his beloved bees. We have lost an exceptionally talented broadcaster, but most of all we’ve said goodbye to a fine man who will be dearly missed by us all at Classic FM, as well as his many listeners."

On Twitter, the official BBC Breakfast account posted a photo of Turnbull from his long stint on the show and wrote, "He was loved by our viewers. He was loved by his colleagues. Bill will always be remembered for his warmth, humour and being a brilliant journalist."

His former BBC Breakfast co-presenter Susanna Reid was one of many former colleagues to join in the tributes, writing that he "was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business".

"I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything," she added. "But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much."

Dan Walker, who replaced him on BBC Breakfast in 2016, added: "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."

And Broadcaster Danny Wallace wrote, "Bill Turnbull was my friend. He was hilarious, with a huge brain. He sent me a book just recently which I'll treasure. I sent him a Beano. I got a dog because one day in his kitchen he told me to get a dog. He was a brilliant man. I'll miss you, pal. I'll look after the dog."