BBC Spotlight presenter Chris Rogers dead as tributes pour in for popular presenter - The Mirror

The BBC has paid tribute to one of the most familiar faces of South West news, Chris Rogers, whose death was announced yeserday

Tributes for BBC Spotlight presenter Chris Rogers are pouring in after it was announced the popular broadcaster had died.

The seasoned journalist was one of the most well-known faces of South West news and previously presented BBC regional programmes as well as working for ITV.

Paying tribute to the presenter, the BBC released a statement on Twitter saying: “One of the most familiar faces of news in the South West, Chris Rogers, has died.

"He presented BBC Spotlight and the BBC’s regional political programmes, having previously worked at ITV. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Underneath the post Chris' colleagues paid tribute.

Teresa Driscoll, who worked with the presenter on Spotlight wrote: "Such sad news. Chris was a superb journalist and a warm, kind soul with a great sense of fun.

"He helped me settle into my role on Spotlight when I first joined the BBC and was an absolute joy to work with. My thoughts are with Jane xx"

Another colleague wrote: “One of the good guys. Had the pleasure and privilege of working with him in ITV and BBC, what a sad loss of a true professional and a true gentleman.”

While a third added: "Chris the journalist was the consummate professional and a joy to work with.

"Chris the man was sweet, funny, kind, generous and so, so knowledgeable on almost any subject under the sun - from the sublime to the ridiculous A true gentleman. Sending love to his lovely wife Jane."

Chris started his career at Radio Oxford in 1970 before moving to BBC Radio Carlisle in 1973.

Six years later, he moved to Border Television as a presenter and reporter on Lookaround before becoming TSW's first political editor in 1982.

In 1990 Chris went to work at BBC South West, presenting Spotlight with Teresa, where he worked until he retired in 2008.