BBC Breakfast host interrupts live broadcast to announce death of legend

BBC Breakfast interrupted this morning's live broadcast to announce the death of a legend. During Thursday's (January 8) live show, hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt updated viewers on the latest news from across the UK and around the world.

Later in the show, the pair shared sad news after the death of football icon Terry Yorath, who had died at the age of 75 after a short illness.

"The former Leeds United and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath has died at the age of 75 following a short illness," Naga announced.

Charlie added: "His children, who include BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan, said in a statement that to most, he was a revered footballing hero, but to us, he was dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man."

The statement continued: "Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."

In addition to Gabby, Terry had three other children - Daniel, Louise and Jordan. In 1992, Daniel died at the age of 15 from the genetic heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy while playing football at home with his father.

Reporter Tomos Dafydd looked back on Terry's life in a pre-recorded segment on BBC Breakfast. He said: "Terry Yorath - uncompromising, combative, passionate. Born in Cardiff, he played junior football alongside John Toshack. He was soon spotted by Leeds United, and under Don Revie, he helped the club win the First Division title in 1974.

"Like generations of Wales players, qualifying for major tournaments proved elusive. Yorath led his side to the brink of the European Championships in 1976, in the days where just four teams reached the finals."

During his time at Leeds United, Terry also earned a runners-up medal in the FA Cup, European Cup, and Cup Winners' Cup. He played 59 times for Wales, 42 as captain, before leading them to the brink of the 1994 World Cup finals as manager, only to see his team beaten by Romania in their final qualifier.

Terry also played for Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Bradford City before finishing his playing career with a solitary appearance for Swansea City.

Tomos continued: "His life was touched by tragedy. He was the assistant coach at Bradford City when a fire engulfed the ground. Yorath evacuated supporters, including his own family. 56 people died.

"Yorath [also] had to deal with the pain of losing his son Daniel, who'd collapsed in the garden of their family home. He had an undiagnosed heart condition. He was 15. Yorath said it tore his family apart."

Reflecting on Terry's lasting legacy, Tomos concluded: "It was a life scarred by unimaginable trauma. For his fans, he will be remembered as a talented player and a natural leader who gave his all."

The news of Terry's death comes just hours after his daughter Gabby abruptly left during Match of Day's live broadcast on Wednesday night (January 7). She was soon replaced by co-star Mark Chapman, who said she had to leave for a "family emergency".

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am