BBC Newsday presenter Julian Keane has died after a lengthy illness.
The star worked for the BBC for more than 30 years and it’s not known what illness the journalist was suffering with.
The BBC paid tribute to Julian on the World Service and said he was “a warm, calm and surefooted presence in the studio”.
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The BBC wrote: “Our dear colleague and Newsday presenter Julian Keane has died after a long illness.
“Most recently, Julian presented Newsday, since the programme’s launch in 2012.
“As well as being a warm, calm and surefooted presence in the studio, Julian also presented the programme from a long list of countries, often finding himself in the middle of some of the biggest news stories we’ve covered.
Feeling such sadness & loss. Being with Julian in the studio flowed from day one. It didn’t feel like work. I’ll miss my brother’s warmth, friendship, humour & his fantastic journalism. RIP Julian.https://t.co/xfSeScOiOr
— Bola Mosuro (@bbcBola) October 30, 2019
“By way of a tribute, this clip features Julian reporting in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the run-up to elections, in Venezuela as the full scale of the economic crisis began to emerge, and in the Central African Republic at the height of the violence between rival militias.
“It begins in Zimbabwe as the 37 year rule of Robert Mugabe had came to and end.”
Tributes have poured in on social media.
World Service journalist Rebecca Kesby wrote on Twitter: “Real sadness at BBC World Service over the last couple of days after the passing of one of, if not THE best presenters we’ve had, Julian Keane.
Real sadness at @bbcworldservice over the last couple of days after the passing of one of, if not THE best presenters we’ve had, Julian Keane. Such a talented journalist, such a lovely colleague. Missed by all, always. https://t.co/RHaHZeyOtm
— Rebecca Kesby (@rebeccakesby1) October 30, 2019
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“Such a talented journalist, such a lovely colleague. Missed by all, always.”
Fellow World Service presenter Maggie Jonas said: “Tribute to my lovely, charming, kind, generous, caring colleague on #BBCNewsday, Julian Keane, who will never be forgotten.”
Jackie Leonard added: “Such sad news. Julian was a brilliant broadcaster and a genuinely lovely man. We will miss him.”
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