George Alagiah Health Update: What Illness Does George Alagiah Have?
by Abinaya | Updated Jun 05, 2023
Who is George Alagiah?
George Alagiah, born on November 22, 1955, is a British newsreader, journalist, and television news presenter. With a career spanning several decades, he has become a familiar face in the world of British news broadcasting. Alagiah's notable role began on December 3, 2007, when he became the presenter of the BBC News at Six, a flagship news program in the United Kingdom.
Prior to this, he served as the main presenter of GMT on BBC World News since its launch on February 1, 2010. Originally hailing from Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Alagiah was born to Donald Alagiah, an engineer, and Therese. Both of his parents belonged to the Sri Lankan Tamil community. In 1961, when Alagiah was a child, his family relocated to Ghana in West Africa.
There, he received his primary education at Christ the King International School. Alagiah's educational journey continued at St John's College, an independent Roman Catholic school in Portsmouth, England. Following his secondary education, he pursued a degree in politics at Van Mildert College, Durham University.
During his time at Durham, he actively engaged in journalism, writing for and eventually becoming the editor of the student newspaper, Palatinate. Additionally, he served as a sabbatical officer of the Durham Students' Union. With his diverse background and journalistic experiences, George Alagiah has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of news presentations.
His role as a newsreader and television news presenter has brought him recognition and made him a trusted source of information for viewers in the UK and around the world.
George Alagiah Health Update
BBC presenter George Alagiah has taken a break from TV after it was revealed that his cancer had spread further, as confirmed by his agent. He was initially diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014, prompting him to intermittently step back from presenting in order to undergo treatment. Despite his health challenges, the 66-year-old journalist made a courageous return to the BBC's News at Six in April.
Alagiah expressed how working in the newsroom played a crucial role in keeping him energized and motivated throughout his cancer journey. However, in light of a recent scan showing the further spread of his cancer, Alagiah acknowledged that he would be facing more demanding times. In a statement, he mentioned that it was "back to the tough stuff" for him.
He also expressed his longing for his colleagues and eagerly anticipated his return to the studio as soon as possible. The news of George Alagiah's health update was confirmed by his agent, Mary Greenham. Back in January, Alagiah openly shared his belief that cancer he had been living with since 2014 would likely be the ultimate cause of his passing. Nevertheless, he still considered himself very lucky.
George Alagiah's health update serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle he faced against cancer. His resilience and determination to continue fighting are commendable. We can only hope for the best in his recovery and eagerly await his return to the studio, where his presence and professionalism have left an indelible impact.
What Illness Does George Alagiah have?
George Alagiah has been facing a challenging battle with his health. In 2014, he received a devastating diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer. Since then, he has had to take breaks from his presenting duties intermittently to undergo treatment. At the age of 66, the journalist made a courageous return to the BBC's News at Six in April.
Despite the hardships he has endured, Alagiah has found solace and inspiration in the newsroom. Being surrounded by his colleagues has been a source of energy and motivation for him during this difficult time. However, the recent news is disheartening. A scan revealed that his cancer has spread further, marking a setback in his ongoing battle.
Alagiah acknowledged that he misses his colleagues and expressed his eagerness to return to the studio as soon as possible. The announcement of his health update was confirmed by his agent, Mary Greenham. In a poignant statement, Alagiah admitted that he has always been aware that his cancer could eventually overcome him.
Yet, he considers himself fortunate, recognizing the resilience he has shown thus far. Reflecting on his journey, Alagiah shared his initial struggle to comprehend the steps he needed to take after his cancer diagnosis. The road ahead has undoubtedly been filled with emotional and physical challenges, requiring immense strength and resilience.
The news of George Alagiah's illness weighs heavy on our hearts, reminding us of the fragility of life and the toll that serious illnesses can take. Despite the sadness surrounding his health, Alagiah's determination to keep fighting and his gratitude for the support he has received serve as a testament to his remarkable spirit.
We can only hope for his recovery and eagerly anticipate his return to the studio, where his presence and professionalism have touched the lives of many.
George Alagiah Broadcasting Career
George Alagiah began his broadcasting career with the BBC in 1989, following seven years in print journalism with South Magazine. Initially serving as a foreign correspondent, he held positions such as the Developing World correspondent and later the Southern Africa correspondent based in Johannesburg.
Renowned as one of the BBC's leading foreign correspondents, Alagiah reported on a wide range of significant global events. His coverage encompassed the tragic genocide in Rwanda, the plight of the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq, and the civil wars in Afghanistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Somalia.
In 2002, Alagiah took on the role of presenter for BBC Four News, which underwent subsequent relaunches as The World and later as another edition of World News Today. In January 2003, he joined the BBC Six O'Clock News, initially co-presenting with Sophie Raworth until October 2005, and later with Natasha Kaplinsky until October 2007.
From December 3, 2007, he became the sole presenter of the Six O'Clock News, establishing himself as a prominent figure in British news broadcasting. Before assuming the anchor position for the Six O'Clock News, Alagiah served as the deputy anchor for the BBC One O'Clock News and BBC Nine O'Clock News from 1999.
Additionally, starting from July 3, 2006, he presented World News Today on BBC World News and BBC Two, which underwent a rebranding as GMT on February 1, 2010. His appearances on the program continued until 2014. Alagiah also acted as a relief presenter on BBC News at Ten, frequently stepping in on weekdays when the main presenters, Huw Edwards and Fiona Bruce, were unavailable.
George Alagiah Health Update - FAQ
George Alagiah is a British newsreader, journalist, and television news presenter. He has had a successful career spanning several decades and has become a familiar face in British news broadcasting.
George Alagiah has held various roles at the BBC, including being the presenter of the BBC News at Six since December 2007. He was also the main presenter of GMT on BBC World News from its launch in February 2010.
George Alagiah was born in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). His parents were Donald Alagiah, an engineer, and Therese. They belonged to the Sri Lankan Tamil community.
George Alagiah received his primary education at Christ the King International School in Ghana. He later attended St John's College in Portsmouth, England, for his secondary education. He pursued a degree in politics at Van Mildert College, Durham University.
As one of the BBC's leading foreign correspondents, George Alagiah has reported on a wide range of significant events, including the genocide in Rwanda, the plight of the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq, and civil wars in Afghanistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Somalia.