George Alagiah standing against a blue background
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BBC newsreader George Alagiah ‘leaves £49k to his wife in his will’ following his death aged 67

Probate documents have been released

BBC newsreader George Alagiah left less than £50,000 to his wife Frances when he died at the age of 67 last summer, it’s been claimed.

New court documents have shown the total amount the broadcaster had in his personal estate at the time of his death.

George died on July 24 2023, almost 10 years after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

George Alagiah presenting the BBC news
George Alagiah was a much-loved BBC newsreader (Credit: BBC)

BBC newsreader George Alagiah probate documents revealed

Now, after going through probate, court documents seen by Need to Know show that the broadcaster had just £49,387 in his estate when he died.

However, when the BBC released its annual list of earnings for its top stars in early July 2023, George was earning between £335k and £339k per year.

George’s estate in its entirety went to his widow Frances. The pair were married for 39 years and they shared two sons, Adam and Matthew.

“The application has stated that the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £49,387.00 and the net value amounts to £49,387.00,” the probate documents said.

The documents also revealed that George wanted his body to be cremated.

ED! has contacted George’s estate for comment.

George Alagiah standing against a blue background
The broadcaster was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014 (Credit: BBC)

George’s cancer treatment

George was the face of the BBC’s News at Six from 2007. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in April 2014. A statement from the BBC at the time said: “He is grateful for all the good wishes he has received thus far and is optimistic for a positive outcome.”

He went back to work in October 2015, but the cancer returned in 2018. George then revealed that it was incurable. In 2020, he revealed it had spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes.

The newsreader went on to endure 17 rounds of chemotherapy and five surgeries.

He died on July 24 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.

Read more: George Alagiah’s last words revealed at his memorial service

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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