Louise Minchin pays emotional tribute to BBC Breakfast co-star after tragic death

Louise Minchin had fans emotional as she paid tribute to her late BBC Breakfast co-star after his tragic death. The former BBC star, 56, took to Instagram this week to share a message about her "dear friend" as she prepares to take part in the Tour De 4 cycling fundraiser - aimed at highlighting living with Stage 4 cancer and organised by Sir Chris Hoy.

Her Breakfast co-star Bill Turnbull had also lived with prostate cancer, which was diagnosed in 2018, before his death in 2022 aged 66. Louise wrote: "My dear friend Bill Turnbull is the reason I am taking part in @tour_de4 today and riding to raise money for @prostatecanceruk.

"Without him and his cheeky sense of humour I would never have taken up cycling and been able to be on the start line this morning, and I am eternally grateful to him.

"Early diagnosis of prostate cancer can make a huge difference to those who have it and any donations today will help other men like Bill."

She added: "Thanks so much to everyone who has donated so far, I will update you here and you can find the link to donate in my stories and bio."

On her Instagram stories, I'm A Celeb star Louise explained: "I've just been making last minute preparations for Tour De 4, which is this brilliant cycling event which Sir Chris Hoy has organised to raise money and awareness for cancer.

"I am raising money for prostate cancer, and just a quick message to anybody who's taking part - don't forget your bike, your helmet, your number, and I will not be forgetting snacks and a smile!"

Olympian Chris Hoy, 49 - who was told in 2024 that he had between two and four years to live - said he is "doing well" but it "took some time to lick my wounds and to recover emotionally, physically, mentally" from his incurable cancer diagnosis.