BBC newsreader George Alagiah died at the age of 67 on Monday, nine years after being diagnosed with cancer. He was one of the broadcaster’s longest serving journalists.

His agent said in a statement that Alagiah “died peacefully today, surrounded by his family and loved ones. 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.” Alagiah “fought until the bitter end”, his agent added.

BBC director general Tim Davie said: “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time. George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly. He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.”

Alagiah was married to Frances Robathan.

Who is Frances Robathan?

Frances Robathan was born in 1960 in London. She worked for 18 years at the the Fairtrade Foundation after joining in 2002. She had become the Senior Partnerships Adviser. She also held the position of Head of Program Partnerships and Head of Institutional Fundraising at the Foundation.

She met her husband at the Durham University 1984 where they both studied. Alagiah had reflected on his marriage in an in an interview with Desperately Seeking Wisdom podcast in 2022.

“When I look back and I looked at my journey… the family I had, the opportunities my family had, the great good fortune to bump into [Frances Robathan], who’s now been my wife and lover for all these years, the kids that we brought up… it didn’t feel like a failure,” he said.

The couple have two children, Adam and Matthew. Alagiah had previously said that his sons kept him down to earth. “It’s sobering to have your kids tell you, when you’re dropping them off at school, ‘Dad, don’t get out of the car,” he told The Sun.