BBC Breakfast hosts make tragic announcement as they open present
BBC Breakfast hosts Ben Thompson and Luxmy Gopal opened Saturday’s show with some sad news as they paid tribute to football legend Denis Law, who has died at the age of 84
BBC Breakfast’s Ben Thompson and Luxmy Gopal delivered some tragic news to start off Saturday’s programme, as they honoured the late football icon Denis Law.
The announcement of his passing came on Friday night, revealing that at 84 years old, Denis had lost his fight with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Kicking off the show, Ben shared: “Tributes have been paid to the former Scotland, Manchester United, and Manchester City footballer, Denis Law, who has died at the age of 84.”
Luxmy added tribute to his stint at Old Trafford, saying: “He spent more than a decade at Old Trafford, where he scored 237 goals and remains the only Scottish player to have won the prestigious Ballon d’Or.”
The BBC then paused to look back at Denis’s legendary career, showcasing throwback clips of his glory days on the pitch.
In a moving family statement, Law’s family announced: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
Nicknamed ‘The King’ by fans at Old Trafford, Law is recognised as one of the Red Devils’ ultimate legends, netting a jaw-dropping 237 goals during his prolific 11-year tenure. He even banged in what many consider the most iconic goal in Manchester derbies – albeit in a City shirt.
Earlier this year, Law and his spouse Diana spoke candidly about the trials of caring for someone with dementia for an Alzheimer’s Society campaign, marking their 60th wedding anniversary in March 2023. Diana expressed her pain, saying, “It took away your freedom,” While Denis himself admitted, “It’s very difficult.”
