Edward Stourton, former Radio 4 Today host, dies at 68 after decade-long cancer battle

Career and 'Today' departure

Edward Stourton spent more than 40 years as a broadcaster, spending a decade on BBC Radio 4's flagship Today programme. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to an executive with British American Tobacco and a family with a barony dating to the Middle Ages, he was educated at the Catholic Ampleforth College. He joined the morning show around 1998 after a shift from television news, and his voice became synonymous with the programme's authoritative tone. In 2008, however, he was unexpectedly removed, informed by a Daily Mail journalist while away from the office. The decision triggered a fierce backlash from listeners and newspapers, especially those on the right, angered by the BBC's brusque handling. A programme editor later said Stourton "does not make your pulse race", a remark that fuelled the controversy. Stourton refused to shake hands with the manager who belatedly delivered the bad news in person.

It never really occurred to me that I might have to apologise for who I am or make myself different in some way.

Cancer diagnosis and final years

Stourton was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 but kept the illness private until his 2023 memoir Confessions. He had treatment but was later told the cancer had become incurable and spread. Despite this, he continued to present programmes for the BBC until very recently, including Sunday, The World at One and The One O'Clock News. His death on Saturday, 18 July 2026, came surrounded by his family, the corporation announced. He was 68.

Tributes from colleagues

Friends and BBC executives remembered Stourton's warmth, intellect and versatility across news programmes.

It's far too soon to lose Ed. I worked as his producer when he was ITN's diplomatic editor - unflappable then and ever after.

Ed was an absolutely outstanding broadcaster. He brought intelligence, authority and an extraordinary hinterland to everything he did.

James Naughtie, his former co-host on Today, praised his "warm intelligence and wit", adding he was "one of the best colleagues."