Tributes to ex-ITV news editor Geoff Hill after death aged 52

Tributes have come in from ITV stars in the wake of the announcement that former news editor Geoff Hill has died at 52.

Hill, who had been battling leukaemia since 2017, died surrounded by his family after being admitted to hospital in London last week.

Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid paid tribute on Twitter writing: “Above all else, Geoff was a thoroughly lovely man. This is so, so sad. Sending love to his wonderful family.”

She also shared other words from ITV colleagues including ITV News royal editor Chris Ship who said: “We are all beyond devastated to share the news that our friend and colleague @geoffhillITV has passed away.

“He fought and fought the leukaemia which hit him four years ago and he did it bravely.

“He was part of our family and we will miss him. Rest in Peace.”

He added that his colleague was ‘determined to see it off ’ but ‘just couldn’t’.

Wales and West of England correspondent Rupert Evelyn paid tribute also, tweeting: “Desperately sad day for all at @itvnews and across broadcast journalism. RIP Geoff Hill.

“We will miss you dearly, your passion for news, love and support for colleagues and of course Crystal Palace FC.

“All thoughts with your friends and family.”

Rachel Corp, Editor of ITV News, said: “Geoff was so much a part of this newsroom and in so many of our lives for so long, and even over the last few years when he hasn’t always been with us in the newsroom, we’ve always felt his presence, as a friend, a colleague, an inspiration to us all.

“For me, whenever I think of Geoff it’s with a huge smile on his face, in the middle of it all, loving the thrill and pace of the day, always excited about what story was breaking, how we were going to get the inside track, the triumph after a brilliant programme. He also always cared deeply about his team, all of us in it together, being the best.”

Hill joined London Tonight in 1993 before moving to ITV News in 2000 for seven years, before returning in 2013. He covered some major world events including the EU referendum and Donald Trump winning the US presidential election.

The journalist left the role following his diagnosis to focus on his treatment, and came back to his position full-time last year.

However, in September 2020 he stepped down after a relapse.

Geoff Hill had been battling leukaemia since 2017.