ITV News‘ northern division, Granada Reports, has announced the sad passing of anchor Ralph Blunsom at the age of 66 on Tuesday. His death was confirmed on air by colleague Rob Smith.
Ralph had a distinguished career in broadcasting, working for both BBC North West and Granada.
Throughout his career, Ralph delivered impactful news to viewers across the North West of England, covering both local and national stories. Tributes have been flooding in, with co-star Victoria Grimes posting on X, a heartbreaking tribute.
Victoria shared a poignant image from Granada’s newsroom located in MediaCity UK, featuring a picture of Ralph with “1958-2024,” written across it, set against a lit candle. She expressed: “A candle burning in @GranadaReports newsroom tonight for our Ralphy. A first class journalist, hilarious good company and a loyal friend. We will miss you more than you can ever know.”
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani also paid tribute, stating: “All my thoughts with the family and friends of Ralph Blunsom, the former BBC North West Tonight and Granada Reports reporter who has died. He was always a lovely, friendly, fun colleague and he will be missed by many.”
ITV news reporter Jam Williams-Thomas shared a series of photos he had taken over the years with Ralph, stating: “Ralph. I had the absolute privilege of being your colleague, but more importantly your friend. We shared so many funny times and I can still hear your laugh now. You were always a champion of me and others coming up in the industry. Love you lots mate and will miss you greatly.”
One viewer expressed: “so sorry to hear about the sad passing of Ralph Blunsom. Feel like I grew up watching him bring us reports of the moment. My thoughts are with all his family and friends @GranadaReports and local news.”
Another tweeted: “So sorry to hear about the sad passing of Ralph Blunsom. Feel like I grew up watching him bring us reports of the moment. My thoughts are with all his family and friends @GranadaReports and local news.”
A third wrote: “Really sad news. Watched Ralph for years on Granada Reports and he really was a class act. Thinking of his family and friends.”
Ralph first joined Granda back in 2003, having previously spent time with BBC North West.
With a career spanning over two decades at the network, he was often the first reporter live on the scene of major incidents.
In February 2004, just one year after joining Granada, Ralph covered the tragic news of the Morecambe Bay cockle-pickers dying, when 21 people drowned during an incoming tide.
In 2018, he broadcasted live from Winter Hill, Lancashire during the record-breaking wildfires in the UK, which saw more than 250 acres of moorland burn.