ITV News anchor Ralph Blunsom dies aged 66 as co-star shares emotional tribute

ITV Granada Reports anchor Ralph Blunsom has died aged 66 it has been confirmed with his former co-stars sharing tribute to the late broadcaster

An ITV News anchor has died aged 66, his co-stars have announced.

ITV News' northern leg, Granada Reports announced on Tuesday night that Ralph Blunsom had sadly died at the age of 66. His passing was confirmed on air by Rob Smith. Ralph worked for both BBC North West and Granada during his time as a broadcaster.

Over the course of his career, Ralph brought hard hitting news to viewers across the North West of England, covering both local and national stories. Tributes have since poured in, with his co-star, Victoria Grimes taking to X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sharing a snap taken in Granada's newsroom based in MediaCity UK, Victoria posted a picture of Ralph which had "1958-2024," written across it, in front of a lit candle. She said: "A candle burning in @GranadaReports newsroom tonight for our Ralphy. A first class journalist, hilarious good company and a loyal friend. We will miss you more than you can ever know."

Meanwhile, BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani shared: "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."

ITV news reporter Jam Williams-Thomas shared a string of snaps he had taken over the years with Ralph, writing: "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."