After a lengthy illness, BBC broadcaster Nicola Heywood Thomas has passed away. The 67-year-old Cardiff-based presenter of the Radio Wales Arts Show began her career at BBC Wales as a news researcher immediately after graduating from college.
She worked as a sub-editor, correspondent, and host for Wales Today, but she was perhaps best known for her 18 years as HTV’s primary news anchor.
Recent health issues plagued the mother of three, but she continued to broadcast as recently as February.
Her on-screen work at HTV, the predecessor to ITV Wales, included reporting and hosting current affairs and documentary programs.
She was a BAFTA Cymru award recipient. After leaving HTV, she became intimately associated with BBC Wales’ arts coverage and also worked for BBC Radio 3.
According to ITV Wales, she is one of its “most iconic faces.”
She was the host of Wales at Six for over 15 years. Tonight, our thoughts are with all of her friends and associates.
Carolyn Hitt, the editor of Radio Wales, expressed “deep sadness” at the news of her passing.
Ms. Hitt stated that Ms. Heywood Thomas had been the voice of arts coverage in Wales for over 25 years and was “hugely admired and respected.”
She stated that the broadcaster introduced journalistic insight and a passion for the arts to her work.
Ms. Hitt remarked,
“She was captivated by performers and artists and the stories behind the work they created, and she constantly sought inventive ways to communicate these tales.”
“Nicola championed Welsh culture and despised the notion that the arts were some sort of elitist pastime.”
Ms. Hitt praised her colleague for being diligent and for “excellent company.”
“We have been astounded and deeply moved over the past few months by her dedication to her Radio Wales programs despite her difficult health issues,” she said.
“We will mourn her creativity, her dedication, and her friend’s warmth. Wales has lost one of its most distinguished broadcasters.
Hugh Canning, a friend, announced on Twitter that the “broadcaster extraordinaire” had passed away.
Mr. Canning stated that Ms. Heywood Thomas was his oldest companion, adding, “We met in 1972, during my first year at Oxford when she was 16 and I was 18, and we have been friends ever since.
“I owe her a huge debt. RIP Nicola.”
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