Former BBC presenter Harry Gration has sadly died “suddenly” aged 71.
Harry was the former presenter of BBC Yorkshire’s Look North news programme and won two Royal Television Society (RTS) awards during his career.
The BBC said they were “heartbroken” to announce the passing of their dear colleague on Friday night (June 24) with tributes flooding in for the broadcaster.
READ MORE: BBC News host Harry Gration and his wife become parents again at 51 and 68
The channel took to Twitter with a statement that read: “Our much loved friend and colleague Harry Gration died suddenly today. We are absolutely heartbroken to give you this news.
“Tonight our hearts go out to Harry’s wife Helen, their children and all of Harry’s family and friends.”
(Image: PA)
Harry’s wife Helen paid a sweet tribute to her late husband as she said she and their three boys loved him “totally”.
Helen said: “He will forever be with us.
“Our three boys and I loved Harry totally. We had an awful lot of fun with him and our home was his life,” she added.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said Mr Gration was “loved everywhere” in his own tribute to the star.
(Image: PA)
He said: “He had a real connection with the public who saw him as one of their own.
“Loved everywhere, but especially in Yorkshire, he will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Harry’s Ex-Look North colleague Amy Garcia was tearful as she announced Harry’s passing on her show.
(Image: PA)
“As we close the programme tonight, I have some very sad news to share with you all. Our much loved friend and colleague Harry Gration suddenly died today. We all at Look North are absolutely devastated to give you this news.”
She confirmed the TV show would honour Harry’s passing properly on the show next week.
Harry joined the BBC in 1978 before working on Look North in 1982 – presenting his final show in 2020.
(Image: BBC)
The TV star used to work as a history teacher during the 1970s but started filing match reports for the BBC.
He revealed one of his stand-out moments at the BBC was raising over £800,000 on a tandem for charity with Amy in 2014.
Gration was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list in 2013 – for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting.
At the time, he said it was an “an overwhelming honour. Something I never thought would happen to me”.
He added: “For a lad born in a back-to-back in Bradford, I know my mum and dad would have loved to have been around for this day.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
