George Alagiah, the renowned presenter of the BBC News at Six and GMT on BBC World News, has announced that he will be taking a break from his presenting duties as he faces a recurrence of cancer. Alagiah, who battled the disease in 2014, is determined to overcome it once again.
Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 22, 1955, Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 after a successful career in print journalism. Before becoming a news presenter, he gained recognition as a foreign correspondent, reporting on significant events such as the Rwandan genocide, the struggles of the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq, and the civil wars in Afghanistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Somalia.
Alagiah has been the face of BBC’s Six O’Clock News since 2003, having previously served as the deputy anchor for the BBC One O’Clock News and BBC Nine O’Clock News. He has received various accolades for his exceptional journalistic contributions, including an OBE in 2008.
Outside of his professional life, Alagiah is married to Frances Robathan, with whom he shares two children named Adam and Matthew. Frances works as the Head of Programme Partnerships at the Fairtrade Foundation in London.
In 2014, Alagiah was initially diagnosed with bowel cancer, eventually spreading to his liver and lymph nodes. Despite the challenging prognosis, he was given the all-clear in 2015 after undergoing extensive treatment and surgeries. However, he recently revealed that the cancer has returned, necessitating further medical intervention.
Alagiah expressed unwavering determination in his battle against the disease, emphasizing the importance of his doctors’ expertise and the support of his loved ones. He acknowledged that his experience four years ago reinforced the significance of family and friends during trying times and expressed gratitude for the positive outlook he currently maintains.
His agent confirmed the news of Alagiah’s medical treatment, stating that he is engaged in discussions with his medical team to explore treatment options and determine the course of action going forward.
Throughout his journey, Alagiah has exhibited strength and resilience, even regarding his battle with cancer as a transformative experience that enriched his perspective on life. His immense dedication to journalism has been evident, as he shared that working on the BBC program has been a source of sanity during the past few years.
For now, Alagiah will be taking a break from his presenting duties as he prepares to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, he remains determined to return, eager to continue making meaningful contributions to the field he is passionate about.
George Alagiah’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. As he embarks on this new challenge, he serves as an inspiration to countless individuals battling their own health battles. The world eagerly awaits his return, cheering him on in his quest for a disease-free future.
