ITV Granada Reports presenter Tony Morris has died at the age of 57, after being diagnosed with kidney cancer last year.
Tony died on Saturday at Bury Hospice, with his daughters Natalie and Rebecca by his side.
The television star presented ITV’s regional news programme in the North West of England.
He presented Granada Reports for 17 years and was active on the news show until just a few weeks ago.
Tony’s daughter Natalie broke the sad news on Twitter, with a series of happy photos of her with her dad.
She wrote: “We lost our incredible dad on Saturday morning. He was more than a parent, he was also our best friend.
Tony Morris has died aged 57 (Image: ITV News)
“We are utterly heartbroken, but so grateful for the time we had with him.
“We will be offline with family for a while, but so appreciative of the lovely messages.”
Natalie has also asked for people to make a donation to Bury Hospice rather than send flowers to her family.
She said: “We will forever appreciate the care, kindness and respect that the wonderful nurses provided for my dad.”
Tony presented Granada Reports with Lucy Meacock, who has paid an emotional tribute (Image: ITV)
Tributes have started pouring in for the popular presenter, with his co-host Lucy Meacock leading them.
Lucy, who had co-presented throughout Tony’s time on the show, said: “He was without doubt one of the most humble, kind and funny people I have ever met, and he would often make me laugh ’til my sides ached.”
She confirmed on Twitter: “We will have a very special Granada Reports tonight in tribute to our lovely friend and colleague.”
Tony’s heartbroken daughters Natalie and Rebecca broke the news of his death on Twitter
Lucy added: “My thoughts are with his family and all who loved him.”
In a tearful video, Lucy said: “It was a very special bond that we had, we knew each other very well and I think it was a great partnership.”
Granada’s Head of News Lucy West said: “Tony was a remarkable man; first and foremost he was an amazing dad to his two daughters and our thoughts are with his family.
“A brilliant presenter and journalist who could disarm the most challenging of guests.
“Tony led our viewers through some of the darkest of days, yet he was always able to offer some reassurance and warmth.”
Tony had a very successful career, helping Granada Reports to become the first regional news show to win a BAFTA in 2007, for its coverage of the Morecambe Bay Cockle Picking tragedy.
Then in 2013, the show won a second BAFTA for its coverage of the Independent Panel into the Hillsborough Disaster.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
