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ITV Granada Reports Host Tony Morris Has Died Aged 57

ITV Granada Reports host Tony Morris has died aged 57 after he was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year. 

On Saturday, the Granada Reports presenter passed away at Bury Hospice whilst daughters Natalie and Rebecca stayed by his side.

Tony had presented ITV’s regional news in the North West of England for 17 years. Until just a few weeks ago, he had still remained active on the show, despite his cancer diagnosis.

The devastating news was confirmed by Tony’s daughter Natalie through a Twitter post, which was alongside a series of heartwarming photos from happier times.

She wrote: “We lost our incredible dad on Saturday morning. He was more than a parent, he was also our best friend.

“We are utterly heartbroken, but so grateful for the time we had with him.

“We will be offline with family for a while, but so appreciative of the lovely messages.”

Rather than send flowers to her family, Natalie has requested that people make donations to Bury Hospice instead.

Since the heartbreaking news has been shared online, tributes have begun to pour in for the popular presenter.

Co-presenter Lucy Meacock said: “He was without doubt one of the most humble, kind and funny people I have ever met, and he would often make me laugh ’til my sides ached. My thoughts are with his family and all who loved him.”

She later confirmed on Twitter: “We will have a very special Granada Reports tonight in tribute to our lovely friend and colleague.”

Following this, the TV presenter shared an emotional video in which she said: “It was a very special bond that we had, we knew each other very well and I think it was a great partnership.”

Credit: ITV

Granada’s Head of News Lucy West said: “Tony was a remarkable man; first and foremost he was an amazing dad to his two daughters and our thoughts are with his family.

“A brilliant presenter and journalist who could disarm the most challenging of guests.

“Tony led our viewers through some of the darkest of days, yet he was always able to offer some reassurance and warmth.”

Tony had an incredibly successful career, having helped Granada Reports win a Bafta in 2007, making it the first regional news show to do so based on its coverage of the Morecambe Bay Cockle Picking tragedy.

In 2013, the regional news show won a second Bafta for its coverage on the Independent Panel into the Hillsborough Disaster.

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Written by Aimee Walker

Aimee is a senior content editor at IGV who specialises in finding the best original stories, trending topics and entertainment news. She graduated from Birmingham City University with a degree in Media and Communications.