Former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration MBE has died, aged 71.
Celebrities, colleagues, viewers and friends paid tribute to the TV star after the news was announced in an emotional statement at the end of Friday’s show by his former co-presenter Amy Garcia, who worked with him for seven years on the programme.
Gration leaves behind six children and his wife, Helen.
He joined the BBC in 1978 and fronted the Yorkshire programme through two stints from 1982 until he announced his departure from the BBC at the end of 2020. He was one of Britain’s longest-serving regional TV news hosts, hailed as “Mr Yorkshire” in numerous tributes.
In 2013, he was appointed MBE and in 2019, became deputy lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
“As we close the programme tonight, I have some very sad news to share with you all. Our much loved friend and colleague Harry Gration very suddenly died today. We all at Look North are absolutely devastated to give you this news,” said Amy Garcia on Friday’s show.
“Goodnight Mr Yorkshire. The best co-presenter I ever shared a sofa with,” said one social media post tribute from one of his former co-presenters on the show, Charlotte Leeming.
Paying tribute, The Yorkshire Post Editor James Mitchinson said he was “shellshocked” at the news in a tweet.
In a newsletter, he added: “It is no exaggeration to say that Harry Gration’s name is as synonymous with Yorkshire as tea itself.
“Harry, we will miss you dearly. From the fun times with your intrepid weatherman Paul Hudson to the times when you fought our corner. Life in Yorkshire is better for your contribution. Rest easy.”
@BBCLookNorth @GrationHarry @HeleGration pic.twitter.com/EuD2z9Qwx0
— Amy Garcia (@AmyGarciauk) June 25, 2022
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, commented: “Harry Gration MBE was an outstanding broadcaster and commentator. He had a real connection with the public who saw him as one of their own. Loved everywhere, but especially in Yorkshire, he will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.” The BBC tweeted:
Our much loved friend and colleague Harry Gration died suddenly today. We are absolutely heartbroken to give you this news. Tonight our hearts go out to Harry’s wife Helen, their children and all of Harry’s family and friends. https://t.co/dsFnvzjSsY pic.twitter.com/sbgF6NMoqR — BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) June 24, 2022
