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Tributes pour in after BBC newsreader dies, aged 48

By Gavriel Hollander

BBC Radio 4 newsreader Rory Morrison has died at the age of 48, the corporation has said.

Morrison, who joined the BBC in 1990, had been diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma in 2004.

He worked at several local radio stations – including BBC Radio Leeds, BBC Radio York and BBC Radio Cleveland – before joining the British Forces Broadcasting Service and then Radio 4 as a continuity announcer and newsreader.

Radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams said Morrison had been "at the heart of the station" and praised his "intelligence, integrity and complete professionalism".

She added: "As a continuity announcer and a newsreader he was admired for the warmth of his voice, his clarity and his perfect timing. He was loved by all who knew him. We offer our deep sympathy to his family in their loss."

The father of two was married to fellow BBC journalist Nikki Jenkins.

Tributes to Morrison have been pouring in from friends and colleagues.

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On Twitter, Today programme presenter Justin Webb wrote:  “So so sad to hear that Rory Morrison has died – lovely warm friendly man. Much love to his family.”

BBC Clare Balding added: “It is such a loss – to his friends, to Radio 4 but most of all to his wife and two young children.”

Former Test Match Special producer Peter Baxter said: “Very sad to hear of Rory Morrison's death. Great announcer, big sense of humour, good friend of TMS.”

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