GB News presenter halts show to issue sad breaking news announcement

GB News presenters delivered a breaking news announcement (Image: GB NEWS)

Stephen Dixon was momentarily distracted live on air after he announced to viewers he had just received breaking news. It comes after he and his co-presenter, Nana Akua, were reading out the newspapers during Thursday's edition of the breakfast show on GB News.

The broadcaster shared the sad news that former politician John Prescott had died at 86.

Stephen halted the programme and said, "Look, I just want to bring you some breaking news this morning. We're just hearing that John Prescott has died. Former deputy prime minister, of course.

He would be about 86 years old. Lord Prescott, of course, he became."

They were joined in the studio by political commentator John Oxley, who gave an in-depth insight into the late MP's life.

Stephen remarked: "He was an incredible figure in his own right. Very much on the left and brought in to satisfy the Old Labour at the start of Tony Blair's New Labour."

READ MORE John Prescott dead at 86 after battle with Alzheimer's [LATEST]

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GB News presenter Stephen Dixon announced the news live on air (Image: GB News)

John addressed some of the notable moments of the former prime minister, who he described as "famously tough", about a punching incident when Mr Prescott had an egg thrown at him in 2001.

He continued, "He was very popular throughout politics, very well respected, and someone who led quite a remarkable life.

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He started on the ships in Hull and worked his way through university to do politics. But really coming from that Old Left background.

Flying the flag and standing up to people like Tony Blair in cabinet."

Stephen Dixon and Nana Akua discussed the life of John Prescott (Image: GB NEWS) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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John Prescott died at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's (Image: Getty) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241119.min.js"

The former Labour politician's family announced the news that Prescott had died.

His loved ones confirmed the tragic news following a battle with Alzheimer's, and said he had “spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment”.

The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died “peacefully” and surrounded by relatives at his care home.

He ceased to be a member of the House of Lords in July after suffering from ill health.

Official records show he had only spoken once in the chamber since suffering a stroke in 2019 and had not voted since February 2023. He died following a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Tributes have poured in for Prescott with former Labour prime minister, Sir Tony Blair, saying, "I am devastated by John's passing. He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics."

Sir Keir Starmer penned, "John was a true giant of the Labour movement. He was a staunch defender of working people and a proud trade unionist. He will be remembered for his conviction, courage and strength of character."