BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst pays emotional tribute to ‘adored’ colleague after her tragic death
BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has paid a heartfelt tribute to her colleague who tragically died after a battle with cancer.
The BBC regular was left saddened by the news that Beccy Barr had passed away aged just 46.
Beccy was a popular TV journalist before deciding to quit life on-screen in 2019 for a brand new career as a firefighter in Lancashire following in the footsteps of her father, Roy.
Nina worked alongside Beccy during their time at the BBC with the pair of them having both been based out of the corporation’s hub in MediaCityUK in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Re-sharing a post which confirmed Beccy’s awful passing, Nina said: “What I liked about Beccy was that if she wasn’t happy with something, she made a change.
“She got on with it. I love that energy in people
“Hers was rare and everyone who met her felt it. Thinking of her daughter, who she absolutely adored.”
It was confirmed yesterday in a post shared to Beccy’s official Twitter that she had died following a battle with incurable cancer.
It read: “I’m sharing the very sad news that Beccy passed away peacefully this morning.
“She spent her last few days at @SJHospice who provided the most dignified & compassionate care to Beccy & her whole family. Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy’s memory.”
Beccy was first diagnosed with cancer towards the end of last year.
She studied Newspaper Journalism at City University between 2001 and 2002, and studied for a Master’s in Crisis Management at Bournemouth University between 2021 and 2023.
She worked at the Blackpool Citizen in her early 20s and went on to spend seven years at the BBC‘s North West Tonight.
Ms Barr also spent time at Bloomberg News and CNBC.
Following her diagnosis, she had posted on LinkedIn: “Earlier this year I was diagnosed with incurable and (to some extent) treatable cancer.
“Practically, this means I feel well and I’m on an immunotherapy regime that may keep well for a period of time.
“I’m sharing this very personal information because this experience has shown me that people living with cancer can adapt to this new reality at work in fruitful and fulfilling ways.
“Both to the benefit of the person (me!) and the employer.
“Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, under the very compassionate leadership of Justin Johnston, and my personal friends at work have been phenomenally supportive of me – both in being off work and crucially in using my skills in a new direction as I have returned.”
Who are the current presenters of BBC Breakfast?
The flagship BBC show has had dozens of presenters during its impressive 40 years on air but the current stars are:
Jon Kay – Since 2022
Sally Nugent – Since 2021
Charlie Stayt – Since 2006
Naga Munchetty – Since 2014
Carol Kirkwood – Since 1997
