Bill Turnbull cancer revelation: Susanna Reid leads outpouring of support for ex-BBC host

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Susanna Reid has led an outpouring of support for former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull, who revealed he is battling incurable prostate cancer.

The 62-year-old said he would not be cured of the disease, which has spread to the bone in his legs, hips, pelvis and ribs.

After he broke the news on Monday, Mr Turnbull, who now presents a Classic FM weekend show, has received hundreds of messages of support on social media.

His former BBC Breakfast co-host Susanna Reid wrote on Twitter: “Huge love to @billtu this morning.

Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid on BBC Breakfast

“Practical, pragmatic & positive as he deals with prostate cancer. His message to others: get yourself checked.”

Current BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin described him as an “immensely optimistic” person on this morning’s show.

Bill Turnbull - In pictures

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She said: “I spoke to Bill yesterday and anybody who has watched him over the last 15 years will know he’s immensely an optimistic person, he was on really good form actually, he is undergoing treatment at the moment

“We had a long conversation, between us we have a National Lottery syndicate and I phoned to him to tell him we’d won £2 something or other and as I say he was really upbeat so best wishes to Bill and all his family as well.”

Fellow presenter Dan Walker tweeted: “Sad news this morning. Sending much love from all Bill’s friends at @BBCBreakfast."

Broadcaster Jeremy Vine wrote: “Wishing my friend @billtu all the very best."

Mr Turnbull said he spoke out about the disease to encourage other men to get their prostates tested – saying he feels “cross” for having not visited a GP for four years.

In an interview with Radio Times, he said: “Maybe if I'd got it earlier and stopped it at the prostate, I'd be in a much better state."

Mr Turnbull, husband of Sarah McCombie and father of Henry, 29, Will, 28 and Flora, 26, added it "saddens me that I'm not going to be around as much as I thought with my wife and family ... and I realised if things progress as they do on average, I can't plan beyond 12 years."

His consultant hopes he can live for another 18 years.

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