Bill Turnbull tributes led by Dan Walker and Louise Minchin as presenter dies age 66

Bill Turnbull was a beloved BBC presenter who worked on BBC Breakfast for more a decade and a half from 2001 until 2016.

The BBC has just revealed that Bill has sadly passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer. An announcement from BBC Breakfast read, "Former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has died. He was 66. He was loved by our viewers. He was loved by his colleagues. Bill will always be remembered for his warmth, humour and being a brilliant journalist."

This is one of the many tributes that have been pouring in since the presenter's passing was announced. A number of Bill's BBC co-stars have taken to social media to share memories of Bill and their condolences to his widow Sarah and his three children, Henry, Will, and Flora.

Former co-star Susanna Reid took to Twitter to say, "Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything. But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. RIP Bill. We will miss you so much."

"RIP Bill Turnbull, 66. One of the best broadcasters in Britain, and such a smart, funny, warm & generous-spirited man. Fought his illness with typical stoicism, courage and humour. Bill made presenting live TV look so effortless, which was his great talent. Such sad news," said Piers Morgan.

Dan Walker also took to Twitter to share his condolences, "Bill Turnbull was so kind and generous when I took over from him on BBC Breakfast. He was full of brilliant advice and it was clear just how loved he was by his colleagues and the audience. It was an honour to sit on his sofa. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

"Sending my love and thoughts to the family of my wonderful friend Bill Turnbull. He was a brilliant journalist, a stickler for accuracy, passionate about @BBCBreakfast and a fabulously supportive and kind team-player. Most of all he was great fun, I love how he made me laugh. Xx" said Louise Minchin on social media.

The social media account for Strictly Come Dancing also posted a sweet clip of Bill when he participated in series three of the dancing competition with his dance partner Karen Hardy. 

The caption of the post read, "Sending heartfelt condolences to Bill Turnbull’s family and friends. A truly brilliant broadcaster turned ballroom dancer when he joined us on series three of Strictly."

Judge Robert Rinder also commented online that Bill was, 'A truly lovely, bright & decent human.' Author Richard Osman also shared, "RIP Bill Turnbull, such a kind, intelligent man, and a wonderful presenter. How very sad."

Channel 4 presenter Steph McGovern also commented, "Absolutely gutted that our Bill Turnbull has passed away. A fantastic broadcaster and a brilliant friend….I learnt so much from him. And we had some cracking arguments about how you should pronounce words like ‘poor’ We all loved him #RIPBill."