BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration dies suddenly, aged 71

Former BBC Look North presenter, Harry Gration, has died suddenly at the age of 71.

Harry was a much-loved and familiar face to people across Yorkshire, having joined BBC Look North in 1982. He presented his last show in 2020, the day before his 70th birthday and shortly after his son Hamilton was born in October 2019.

Harry’s wife, Helen, paid tribute to her husband. She told the BBC: “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.”

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Many viewers flocked to social media to pay tribute to the veteran journalist, as well as many of his friends and colleagues. BBC Yorkshire shared in a tweet tonight: “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.”

The retired presenter’s heart-breaking death was announced by his former Look North co-presenter Amy Garcia, who confirmed that he died today (June 24) suddenly. She emotionally paid her respects to her former colleague’s family on air and announced a full tribute will be paid to Harry next week.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “Harry Gration MBE was an outstanding broadcaster and commentator. 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.”

Jason Horton, Acting Director, BBC England, said Mr Gration was “one of the true broadcasting greats”. He said: “He was a natural on the television and on radio, adored by our audiences, especially as the trusted face of Look North and South Today.

“He loved news, sport, his colleagues and fundraising for Children in Need and Comic Relief. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and everyone across the BBC who he worked with.”

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