News at Ten presenter dies at 97 as emotional tributes flood in for Sandy Gall
Former News at Ten presenter Sandy Gall has died at the age of 97, his family has confirmed.
The veteran broadcaster was among the country’s most familiar faces, having started as a foreign correspondent for ITN before joining as co-presenter to News at Ten.
Gall’s family confirmed the news in an emotional tribute on Monday. It stated: “His was a great life, generously and courageously lived.”
Gall began his impressive career back in 1952, when he joined the Aberdeen Press and Journal.
Gall spent five decades as a prominent broadcaster, and worked for Reuters as a foreign correspondent before starting his ITN career in 1963, in which he became a household name. He retained the position until his retirement back in 1992.
Gall’s first assignment was to Texas in the immediate wake of President Kennedy’s assassination.
He was also one of the few journalists to have remained in Vietnam to cover the fall of Saigon.
Gall then co-presented News at Ten in 1970, with his last appearance coming in 1991.
The legendary broadcaster then returned for one more year before retiring fully.
In his retirement, the journalist founded the Afghanistan Appeal, which supported locals affected by war, for almost four decades.
Several people, including his former co-stars, have taken to social media to express their sadness over the loss of one of the best-recognised journalists.
Ex coworker Alastair Stewart wrote: “RIP the great Sandy GALL CMG, CBE – a giant from the good days of ITN- reporter and presenter.”
Someone else penned on X: “RIP Sandy Gall – one of the best, a giant of UK journalism.”
“RIP Sandy Gall. A real journalist,” a third added, with another writing: “Sandy Gall CBE was up there with the very best of British journalists and an iconic newscaster. May he RIP.”
“RIP Sandy Gall, one of the UK’s very best TV news presenters. Sandy presented with quiet authority & style,” a different X user added.
“He was the last of the heavyweight newscasters. RIP Sandy Gall,” someone else shared.
Responding to Stewart’s post, one fan commented: “Oh my word. I Watched him along with you as a kid growing up in the 70s But my goodness he had a good long life so that is something to be thankful for.”
“Very sad news to hear about Sandy. He will be sorely missed by those who remember him fondly as a friend, father and colleague. My condolences go to his family,” one more remarked.