Roger Cook dies age 83 as ITV pays tribute to 'fearless, trusted and respected' journalist and host of The Cook Report
Roger was famed for bravely confronting criminalsRoger Cook has died at the age of 83, it has been confirmed.
The BAFTA award-winning investigative journalist died on the weekend following a short illness.
Roger is best known for hosting ITV’s The Cook Report for more than a decade.
The broadcaster, as well as Roger’s family, has now paid tribute to the TV legend.
Confirming the news, his loved ones said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Cook, who died peacefully on Saturday after a short illness.
“Alongside a distinguished and award winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father.
“He will be deeply missed by all of us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss.”
Who was Roger Cook? Investigative TV star dies
Roger’s New Zealand-born parents raised him in Australia. He began his career Down Under, working as a reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Cooperation.
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Roger moved to the UK in 1968. His first gigs on this side of the globe were for BBC Radio 4.
One of his shows, Checkpoint, saw Roger investigating and exposing criminals. He continued his Checkpoint investigations as they moved onto the BBC television programme, Newsnight.
In 1987, Roger moved to ITV and fronted his own show, The Cook Report. The show was hugely popular and, at its peak, had audiences figures of 12million.
Roger would investigate and unearth government social policy failures, corruption and crime using undercover sting operations. It wasn’t an easy job, however.
Roger often had run-ins with the violent criminals he confronted. It earned him the nickname “the bravest/most beaten-up journalist in Britain”.
The Cook Report helped put numerous thugs and wrongdoers behind bars. ITV reportedly axed the show after a 12-year run because of budget cuts.
ITV pays tribute to Roger Cook following death
Bosses at ITV have today paid tribute to Roger following the sad news of his death.
In a statement, the broadcast said: “In a career spanning an incredible five decades, Roger Cook’s groundbreaking approach to investigative journalism made him one of broadcasting’s most trusted and respected figures.
“On his eponymous current affairs programme, The Cook Report, Roger worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping to drive important and lasting changes in the law.
“His fearless contribution to journalism will long be remembered, and we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time.”
