Heartbreaking words of Emily Morgan to ITV colleagues shortly before her death

She may have been watched by millions on TV, but Emily Morgan, the highly respected ITV journalist who has died at 45, wanted to be remembered most as a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend.

Devastated ITV colleagues have been paying tribute to the ITV News health and science editor after her death from lung cancer on Friday surrounded by her family. But her death has sparked tributes from far and wide, with even senior politicans praising her as “a superb journalist and a truly lovely person”.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, she had worked in Westminster, in roles across England and then as Health Editor – and more recently Health and Science Editor – covering extensively on the frontline about the human tragedies of the pandemic. However, Emily told workmates she wanted to be remembered most as a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend.

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She had previously said: “They are the things that matter,” the Mirror reports. ITV presenter Geraint Vincent paid tribute to her at the end of News At 10 on Friday night. He said: “Tonight we have something to report that has affected all of us at ITV news very deeply.

“It is the death after a short illness of our on-screen colleague and much-loved friend Emily Morgan, our much loved health and science editor.” He added: “Emily worked here for 23 years first behind the scenes as a producer, but for most of that time lighting up our programmes every day as a political and then health reporter.

“At 45 years old, she was at the very top of her game as anyone who followed her peerless reporting of the Covid pandemic will remember well. But she was also, as she wanted the world to know, a mum to her two cherished daughters, a wife, a sister and a daughter herself and it is with all of her family that our thoughts are with tonight.”

Multiple tributes to Emily Morgan

ITV News Editor Andrew Dagnell said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our remarkable colleague, Emily Morgan. Emily was not only an incredibly talented journalist, but a much-loved member of the ITV Newsroom and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

“As our Health and Science Editor, Emily played a pivotal role in shaping our coverage through some of the most important stories of our time, including her courageous reporting through the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting hospitals and health care workers on the front lines, and sharing their stories with our viewers.

“Her reporting was instrumental in exposing the immense pressure and strain that NHS workers were under, and she became a trusted voice for the public during an unprecedented time. Emily’s passion for the role was evident in everything she did and her work was a constant reminder of why journalism matters.

“Her dedication to informing and educating our viewers will continue to inspire all those who were privileged to work alongside her. Our thoughts are with Emily’s family. Emily was proud to be a journalist, but she was even more proud of her family.

“She adored them. We are sending them our love and support at this unthinkably difficult time.

“Emily was an exceptional journalist, a devoted mother and wife and a true trailblazer in our field. Her friendship, her professionalism and her enormous contribution to our industry and to the public conversation will not be forgotten.”

Rachel Corp, Chief Executive of ITN also paid tribute, saying: “Emily played a pivotal role in ITV News for many years and her exceptional talent, unwavering commitment to the team and compassionate approach were evident to all of us.”

Steve Barclay, the health secretary, said: “Her exemplary reporting throughout the Covid pandemic was a vital public service – helping to keep people safe. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time,” he wrote on Twitter.

Jeremy Hunt, chancellor and former health secretary, said Emily’s death was “devastating”.

He tweeted: “Emily was a superb journalist and a truly lovely person with whom I was truly lucky to work over many years. Goodness me life is cruel but we are all thinking of her amazing contribution as well as her treasured family today.”

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