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January 24, 2019updated 30 Sep 2022 7:24am

BBC News presenter George Alagiah makes on-air return after year out for cancer treatment

By James Walker

BBC News presenter George Alagiah made his return to TV screens last night after taking a year out to undergo treatment for cancer.

Alagiah has said he is “still a cancer patient”, but described his illness as being in a “holding pattern” – giving him a chance to get back in the studio.

The 63-year-old father-of-two presented last night’s BBC News at Six bulletin (pictured).

In a tweet about his return, Alagiah said: “So good to be back in the newsroom. Overwhelmed by so much support from so many. Thanks to all.

“I’m still a cancer patient so will take a while to find a work schedule that fits with ongoing treatment. I’m determined to get behind that studio desk as often as I can.”

Alagiah revealed in January last year that his cancer had returned following his first bowel cancer diagnosis in 2014 and all-clear from doctors in 2015.

The BBC newsreader’s comeback was welcomed by fellow journalists and politicians,  some of whom were quick to compliment his new beard.

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In a later tweet, Alagiah thanked well-wishers and said: “We’ve got the cancer in a holding pattern so it’s back to work with colleagues I respect and the viewers who make it worthwhile.”

Alagiah joined the BBC as a foreign correspondent in 1989 and went into the News at Six presenter’s chair in 2007.

Picture: BBC News at Six

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