A BBC news reporter has been showered with praise by viewers after she reported the death of her friend and co-host live on air. On Saturday, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-61927303" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC News</a> reported that journalist Harry Gration had passed away suddenly at the age of 71. A legend in UK broadcasting boasting a 40-year career, Gration's death has left many viewers and fans heartbroken - including his former co-host, BBC Yorkshire reporter Amy Garcia. On Saturday, following the news of Gration’s passing, it was up to Garcia to deliver the news to viewers. In the incredibly emotional close to the show, Garcia said: "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," Garcia said. "Next week we will take our time to pay tribute to Harry properly, that's what he deserves." [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/OwsWills/status/1540405112144887809]] She added: "But tonight our hearts go out to Harry's wife Helen, their children and all of Harry's friends. I know that you will want to pay tribute to him as well. Goodnight." Following the heartbreaking announcement, many viewers took to social media to pay their respect to Gration, as well as praise Garcia for her professionalism in what was clearly a very difficult moment. One Twitter user wrote: "Huge credit to Amy Garcia of BBC Yorkshire for her grace and composure – she’s clearly *just* been given this devastating news to announce on-air. Thoughts with her and all her colleagues this evening, as they mourn the loss of their beloved friend, Harry Gration." A second added: "I don’t know how Amy Garcia managed to announce Harry’s death live on tv just now. But I’m sure Harry would have wanted his audience & friends to receive the news from a friend who clearly loves him very much." "Such sad news," a third wrote. "Grew up watching Harry on Look North. So incredibly brave from Amy Garcia to announce that live on air tonight." And a fourth tweeted: "What an incredible pro Amy Garcia is. I cannot imagine how tough that must have been for her, to announce the death of her dear colleague. Thoughts with her and with all Harry's family and friends." "True, raw emotion. All credit to @AmyGarcia for taking the lead on this. So hard to do." [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/andrew_rawling/status/1540396850397806595]] [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/AaronBower/status/1540419791093219329]] [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/africian1960/status/1540405044096520192]] Garcia later took to Twitter to thank her supporters and pay tribute to her late friend. "Thank you for all the messages of support & the outpouring of love for our dear friend Harry," she wrote in a statement. "I am devastated. "Like many of you I grew up watching Harry Gration on our screens, to share the red sofa with him was a dream come true.. He was everything I hoped for & more." [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/AmyGarciauk/status/1540659033450971136/]] The statement continued: "Generous, funny & never stuck to the script(!).. but he didn't need to, he was a natural & cared about his loyal viewers. Harry always said "yes" which led to the most wonderful adventures together! "He was my mentor, partner in crime who guided me every step of the way. Mostly he was my friend. My thoughts & prayers are with Helen & family xxx." Our thoughts go out to Gration’s family, friends, and fans at this time. <h6>Featured image credit: Christopher Smith / Alamy</h6>

BBC reporter praised after having to report death of co-host live on air

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