Beyond 2000 host Jeff Watson sadly passes away

Getaway’s first ever presenter Jeff Watson has passed away at the age of 80 following a long battle with brain cancer.

The veteran TV host, who was diagnosed with the disease in early 2018, died at Greenwich Palliative Care Hospital.

He was surrounded by his wife Judi, children Lucy and Timothy, as well as his stepdaughter Cara and her husband, Ben.

Despite doctors claiming he had only three months to live when he was first diagnosed, he went on to exceed their expectations by five years.

The presenter had a long career in television spanning over 40 years. He was well known as the original presenter on Getaway from 1992 to 1998, and his love for travel was shared in many family homes nationwide.

His passion for travel extended beyond the show. Watson once flew 23,000 kilometres from England to Australia with John Travolta in a 50-year-old jet airliner to produce the programme Southend to Sydney.

He went on to produce aviation series such as The Boneyard and The Shape Of Things To Come.

Early in his career, he planned and presented a science show called Towards 2000, which he co-hosted with Sonia Humphrey and David Flatman from 1981 to 1984.

He then went on to present the popular show Beyond 2000 and contributed to renowned series such as This Day Tonight, Four Corners, Holiday, and 60 Minutes.

Current Getaway host Catriona Rowntree said in a statement, "This is heartbreaking news.

"As both a colleague and friend Jeff was a joy to be with. You can imagine how interesting he was after so many world travels, above all though he was just so cheeky and fun loving.

"Jeff had the best bloopers ever! Jeff always spoke of his love for his family, I know their hearts will be hurting, and we are sending all our love to them.”

Getaway’s executive producer John Walsh said, "Jeff was really fundamental in the launch of Getaway in 1992.

"As one of the original presenters on the show, he brought a world of experience to the on-air team and had the rare knack of being incredibly funny one minute and projecting authority and gravitas the next.

"Audiences really responded to him and there's no doubt he played a big role in the show's early success. He was a real one-of-a kind and will be missed.”

Image credit: TV Tonight