BBC presenter Edward Stourton dies at 68

Veteran BBC journalist and broadcaster Edward Stourton has died at the age of 68. The BBC announced his death on Monday, July 20, 2026, stating he passed away on Saturday, July 18, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his family.

Stourton’s distinguished career spanned more than four decades, most notably including a decade as a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme from 1999 to 2009. He continued to be a regular contributor to the network until very recently, maintaining his broadcasting commitments despite his illness. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and disclosed in his 2023 memoir, Confessions, that the disease had subsequently become incurable and spread.

Senior BBC colleagues paid tribute to Stourton’s professionalism and character. Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive of BBC News and Current Affairs, said it was "far too soon to lose Ed." Munro, who once worked as Stourton’s producer, described him as "unflappable" and noted his rare ability to present major programmes like Today, the BBC One O’Clock News, The World at One, and Sunday. Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4, hailed Stourton as an "absolutely...