Victoria Derbyshire ended the latest episode of Newsnight with a heartfelt tribute15:44, 04 Jun 2026Victoria Derbyshire shared an emotional on-air tribute this week.‌At the end of Wednesday's (June 3) episode of Newsnight, the BBC presenter took a moment to remember Sir Alex Younger, who has died at the age of 62.‌Sir Alex, who led MI6 between 2014 and 2020, held a career in British intelligence that spanned almost three decades, after joining the service in 1991. He regularly appeared on Newsnight to share his opinions and expertise on the biggest news stories.‌Wrapping up Newsnight this week, Victoria said: "Before we go, we wanted to pay tribute to a man we considered a friend of Newsnight: Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, who we learned today had died of cancer at the age of just 62."As an ex-Chief of Secret Intelligence Service, he regularly sat alongside me on this sofa, and in the middle of tumultuous world events, shared his incredible expertise and wisdom, and whatever was going on, however frightening or volatile, he always managed to make you feel slightly better about it."‌Victoria continued: "He and I talked about the illness he had - he told me that just as he was looking at other horizons, cancer had come along and put a spanner in the works."Sir Alex Younger has died far, far too young. We have been lucky to know him even a little."BBC viewers quickly shared their sadness on social media, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing: "Wrote this to a friend, think it belongs here too: So sorry about the news that Sir Alex Younger has died. SO enjoyed his contributions to #Newsnight. @vicderbyshire paid tribute to him last night. For me he was cool, calm, collected and insightful."‌They added: "He made great contributions, not always serious which was refreshing too. Thank you Sir Alex Younger, RIP."Someone else commented: "Alex will be missed on #Newsnight!" while a third person said: "Tragic and always seemed a genuinely nice fella."‌A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: "Rest in peace, Sir Alex! Thank you for your service, and your wisdom!" with another similarly sharing: "That was a nice touch, Victoria. A well deserved tribute. I will miss his insights into why this world is going downright crazy."The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led the tributes to Sir Alex, following news of his death, saying the former MI6 boss "led an exemplary life and career".The politician added: "He will be remembered by the many ministers, colleagues, friends and family for his utmost dedication to British public life and protecting our nation."‌In a post on X, the Prince of Wales said he was "saddened" by the news, adding that Sir Alex had "embodied the very best of what the Secret Intelligence Service stands for - integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to protecting this country and its people".Prince William concluded: "Britain has lost an exceptional public servant. My thoughts are with Lady Younger and their family."Newsnight is available to stream on BBC iPlayerArticle continues belowIf you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, visit Macmillan Cancer Support or Stand Up to Cancer