Newsreader Peter Sissons has died, aged 77

2 October 2019, 13:34 | Updated: 2 October 2019, 13:41

Newsreader Peter Sissons has died at the age of 77.

The former BBC and ITN newsreader, who also presented Question Time from 1989 to 1993, "died peacefully last night" in Maidstone Hospital in Kent.

"His wife and three children were with him and wish to pass on their thanks to the hospital staff," a statement read.

Sissons joined ITN in 1964 as a writer, and three years later became a reporter. He was promoted to ITN's news editor, and eventually became a presenter of ITN's News at One in 1978.

He moved to Channel 4 a few years later, before joining the BBC in 1989.

In 2002, he was criticised for wearing a burgundy-coloured tie when announcing the news of the Queen Mother's death, instead of the usual black.

He retired in 2009, after nearly 50 years in broadcasting.

BBC director general Tony Hall said: "Peter Sissons was one of the great television figures of his time - as an interviewer, presenter and world-class journalist. During his distinguished career he was one of the most recognisable and well-respected faces of television news.

"He was always a great person to be with and to work with. He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues and our thoughts are with his family."

Fellow presenter Simon McCoy paid tribute, describing him as "a great journalist and a fine presenter". Piers Morgan called him a "splendidly combative & amusing man".