ITV newsreader Nicola Heywood-Thomas has passed away aged 67, it has been confirmed.
The BBC Wales presenter and mother-of-three had been suffering from health problems the past months but continued to work in broadcast up until February this year.
Nicola’s former colleague and news anchor Jonathan Hill announced the news about her death on Wales at Six on Thursday evening (April 6).
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He said: “I am afraid we have some very sad news to share with you. Our friend and colleague, former HTV presenter Nicola Heywood-Thomas sadly passed away earlier today.
“We have of course presented many editions of this programme together and she will be greatly, greatly missed by all of us here at ITV Cymru Wales. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.
(Image: BBC)
“She anchored Wales at Six for more than 15 years. Thoughts are with all her friends and colleagues tonight”.
The star had been a familiar face for Welsh audiences after spending three decades presenting news, current affairs, and arts programmes.
ITV Wales announced in a tribute to Nicola that she was one of the firm’s “most iconic faces”.
Radio Wales editor Carolyn Hitt also shared that she is “deeply saddened” by the loss of Nicola.
(Image: BBC)
Carolyn said: “She was fascinated by performers and artists and the stories behind the work they created, and always looked for imaginative ways to communicate these stories.
“Nicola championed Welsh culture and hated the idea that the arts were some kind of posh pursuit for the elite.”
The anchor also worked for Wales Today as a sub-editor, reporter and presenter at points in her career, and spent 18 years as HTV’s main news presenter.
(Image: BBC)
Friends and fans of hers took to social media to share their condolences.
One person wrote: “RIP Nicola Heywood Thomas. In 2018, I invited her to share her memories of HTV/ITV Wales for our 60th anniversary. She was delighted to help and spoke with great warmth.”
A second added: “I’m so sorry to hear this news. RIP Nicola Heywood-Thomas. A first-class broadcaster & journalist. Fond memories of working with Nicola at BBC Wales. Heartfelt condolences to her family & friends tonight.”
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