Celebrities

BBC Legend Died Penniless, Left Wife Meagre Inheritance Despite Earning Huge Salary for Years

Published on June 25, 2025

George Alagiah, the much-loved face of BBC News at Six, left behind a surprisingly modest estate of just under £50,000 when he passed away last July at the age of 67. Despite a high-profile career and reported earnings between £335,000 and £399,999, his will reveals he left £49,387 to his family.

The sum went to his wife of nearly four decades, Frances, who was named sole executrix of the will. George and Frances shared a long marriage filled with love, raising two sons together, Adam and Matthew. The broadcaster, known for his calm authority and trusted reporting, had fought bowel cancer for a decade, sharing parts of his journey with the public along the way, reported the Express.

His will made careful provisions in case Frances passed before him, naming his sister Miriam Christine Denington as guardian of his sons if needed. Alongside Miriam, his sister-in-law Helen Robathan was also named in the will, with both listed as alternate executors and trustees if Frances were unable to act.

George didn’t just make financial arrangements, he also left guidance on how to handle the estate. His will outlines how his trustees could invest, insure, and manage property within the estate, even allowing them to use capital for repairs and maintenance. He left a clear message that trusted family members and professionals should manage his estate in a way that ensured stability and care for those left behind.

One heartfelt detail in the will shows George’s desire for a simple farewell—he expressed a wish to be cremated. The Last Will and Testament of Maxwell Alagiah was officially recognised and registered with the High Court of Justice, granting probate to Frances. The entire estate, both gross and net, was confirmed at £49,387.

Despite the modest value, those close to George have often remarked that his legacy wasn’t about money. Known for his integrity and compassion, George brought global issues into British living rooms with a sincerity that few could match. His journalistic career included reporting from conflict zones and interviewing world leaders, but he always remained grounded and humble.

George had been on air with BBC News at Six since 2007 and became one of the nation’s most trusted broadcasters. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014, enduring 17 rounds of chemotherapy and five major surgeries after the disease had spread to his liver and lymph nodes. In a remarkable show of resilience, he returned to work in April that year, crediting his job with keeping him “energised and motivated.”

Sadly, in October of that same year, George revealed to viewers that the cancer had returned, saying simply, “It’s back to the tough stuff.” His bravery and honesty in sharing that message struck a chord with many, and tributes poured in when he passed the following summer.

George’s legacy lives on not just through the stories he told but in the grace with which he faced his illness, always finding purpose in his work and strength in his family.

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