ITV News presenter Ralph Blunsom has been remembered as a ‘legend’ after his death aged 66.
The Granada Reports journalist’s death was announced on ITV last night by his colleagues.
‘We leave you tonight with some very sad news about one of our much colleagues here at Granada Reports,’ they began.
‘We’re very sorry to have to tell you about the passing of our great friend Ralph Blunsom.
‘Ralph reported on many of the biggest stories of our generation for Granada Reports and previously for BBC North West Tonight.
‘He was a first class reporter and a real character, whose presence and humour you couldn’t ignore.
‘Ralphie, we will all miss you, goodnight.’
Tributes have also been paid across social media, with BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani writing: ‘All my thoughts with the family and friends of Ralph Blunsom, the former BBC North West Tonight and Granada Reports reporter who has died.
‘He was always a lovely, friendly, fun colleague and he will be missed by many.’
Journalist Nick Garnett said: ‘That’s terribly sad news. Known and loved by so many people in the broadcast industry in the NW – he literally worked everywhere. Sending condolences to his family and friends. Rest peacefully Ralph x.’
BBC news editor Clare Fordham said: ‘Ralph was such a pleasure to work with. Wishing much love to his family.’
‘Happy days of working with Ralph at Red Rose Radio and later Radio Lancashire . One of life’s characters and always good to have around in the newsroom RIP Ralph,’ John Gillmore said.
‘So sad to hear of Ralph’s passing. He brought such zest and professionalism to his reporting, and he was great fun to work with. RIP, Ralph,’ Liam Fogarty added.
ITV reporter Jam Williams-Thomas shared several pictures with Blunsom, and wrote in a heartfelt tribute: ‘Ralph. I had the absolute privilege of being your colleague, but more importantly your friend.
‘We shared so many funny times and I can still hear your laugh now.
‘You were always a champion of me and others coming up in the industry. Love you lots mate and will miss you greatly.’
‘Truly one of the greats,’ he added, replying in a different comment: ‘Honestly bro never a shoot where I wasn’t crying laughing with him. Very very cruel man.’
Football commentator Jay Motty said: ‘Aww bro. Gutted to hear this. Ralph was one of the funniest blokes you could meet and I used to love bumping into him on stories.’
‘He truly was one of a kind,’ he added.
TV and radio journalist Claire Hannah said: ‘Gutted to hear about the death of Ralph Blunsom.. If you didn’t know him, he was a reporter for @GranadaReports @BBCNWT for decades! Bumped into him on so many stories over the years, always funny, always a big hug, just a lovely lovely man ..and brilliant journalist. RIP Ralph x.’
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She went on: ‘Brilliant wasn’t he? A total one off.. always brightened my day when I saw him, even long days in court. He was fab. Really sad news x.’