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The death of Nick Clarke

Colin Hancock | 13:00 UK time, Thursday, 23 November 2006

As I write this we're within 30 minutes of going on air with an extended programme in which we'll announce the death and remember the life of our presenter, Nick Clarke. This entry will be very brief.

nickclarke.jpgEveryone here is working as hard as they can to bring together the best programme possible, and trying not to stop to think too long.

Nick was a brilliant presenter. He was the best interviewer a programme could dream of. He had the best voice on Radio Four. He approached everything we did with his sharp, rigorous intellect. He made us all better journalists. Listeners him.

We're in shock. I can't imagine how awful today is for his wife Barbara, his young sons and the rest of his family. Your thoughts about Nick will be much appreciated.

Comments

  • 1.
  • At 01:16 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Glynis Kozma wrote:

Awful, awful news. We all thought Nick was recovering and his account of his illness moved many, including myself, to tears. No-one said life was fair and it certainly isn't -to lose someone so talented at a relatively young age who gave so much pleasure to listeners doesn't seem right somehow. Poor Nick, and all his family- he will be sorely missed.

  • 2.
  • At 01:20 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Elizabeth wrote:

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ can ill afford to loose journalists of this quality. It is a staggering loss to everyone at the ´óÏó´«Ã½ and those who rely on the service provided.

My best wishes to his family and friends.

  • 3.
  • At 01:21 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • inez aponte wrote:

O, how deeply deeply sad.

I had listened to his audio-diary with great sympathy and was so relieved when I heard his voice back on air again.

A great voice, a sharp mind, a brilliant, challenging interviewer he had also become a real person by allowing us to share his thoughts and feelings about his courageous struggle with cancer.
A great loss to all of us.

My heart goes out to his wife and young children.

  • 4.
  • At 01:28 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Mary McNally-Mills wrote:

A fine journalist and a fine human being.
God bless you and your family.

  • 5.
  • At 01:29 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • chris edwards wrote:

Nick Clarke was the best radio broadcaster of them all. He was very easy to listen to and did not need to conduct an aggressive interview, particularly when the matter was highly contentious. He was incisive and always made his point. It was alsways a joy listening to him and I will miss his interviews very much.

  • 6.
  • At 01:35 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Ben Aldiss wrote:

Nick Clarke epitomised the sort of reliable, comforting Britishness that has always been the hallmark of the ´óÏó´«Ã½. His air of calm authority was very reassuring.

  • 7.
  • At 01:41 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Douglas Morris wrote:

I wonderful journalist, I have grown up hearing his voice. He even made bad news seem bearable. It seems cliche' but it will be like loosing a friend to listen to. Goodbye Nick.

  • 8.
  • At 01:42 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Robin wrote:

This is such sad news for his wife, children and family. Deepest sympathy for them all.

As listeners we will miss that terrific voice, forensic interviewing technique and complete courtesy.

  • 9.
  • At 01:45 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Isabel Devaux wrote:

What I particularly liked about Nick Clarke was his voice - calm and sympathetic and I always enjoyed listening to him on the World at One.

He will clearly be much missed.

  • 10.
  • At 01:45 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Bill Lees wrote:

What terribly sad news. Nick was a broadcaster without equal whom we will only appreciate all the more now that we are bereft of him .

  • 11.
  • At 01:46 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Annie Adcock wrote:

I am deeply shocked to hear of this special man's death today. I cannot imagine the shock and sadness for those closest to him. I extend my sincerest sympathy and prayers. I shall greatly miss his inspiring, energetic contributions to broadcasting and journalism. His voice and vision cannot be replaced, British broadcasting has lost a jewel, Radio 4 especially will never be the same. A sad day indeed.

  • 12.
  • At 01:47 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Douglas Morris wrote:

I wonderful journalist, I have grown up hearing his voice. He even made bad news seem bearable. It seems cliche' but it will be like loosing a friend to listen to. Goodbye Nick.

  • 13.
  • At 01:50 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Diane wrote:

I am deeply saddened by the news of Nick's death. I took great comfort from his diary recording his fight against cancer and I was so delighted to hear him broadcasting again recently.

My deepest sympathy goes to Nick's family and friends. The world has lost a very special man.

  • 14.
  • At 01:56 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Phil Canty wrote:

I was fortunate to have known Nick. I worked with Nick on Newsnight and as soon as he heard I played cricket I was immediately drafted in to his Money Programme/ Newsnight team. I last met him 4 years ago at a reunion of the team. My wife, being an avid Radio 4 listener, informed me of Nick's ill health earlier this year. I couldn't of imagined that he would leave us so quickly. My heart goes out to Barbara , the twins and his children from his first marriage.

  • 15.
  • At 02:01 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Sue Sneddon wrote:

A true gentleman, and a sad loss to all listeners. Condolences to his family.

  • 16.
  • At 02:03 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Peter Beddoe wrote:

What tragic news. Doesn't seem five minutes since his diaried cancer treatment, which I recorded and keep as a treasure. Displacing Dimbleby on Any Questions gave everyone hope, but it was to be short-lived. A marvellous man, and for his family to lose him at the age of 58 is awful. Thank you ´óÏó´«Ã½ for recognising Nick's versatility, professionalism and downright humanity.

  • 17.
  • At 02:09 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Johanna wrote:

Oh, how truly sad.

All my sympathies go to his family.

Such a wonderful broadcaster.

Jo

  • 18.
  • At 02:10 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Liz wrote:

I remember listening to Nick Clark's diaries recording the strange mix of surprise, relief, and pain at losing his leg to cancer. His unfussy, honest, warm voice has always stayed with me.

My deep sympathy to all his family and friends.

  • 19.
  • At 02:11 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Suzie Harrison wrote:

I was dreading this news, and I'm sorrier than I can express finally to hear it.

  • 20.
  • At 02:14 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Deborah Hackett wrote:

Devasting news - I am still in shock, although I had wondered recently why I had not heard him on WATO.
Nick was a brilliant broadcaster, blessed with a superb voice, excellent questioning skills and a sharp intellect. WATO has been my most listened to News programme for years, because of Nick's presentation and sincerity - I felt that he knew what we the listeners wanted to know and he asked questions accordingly.
I have always preferred his way of presenting Any Questions to that of the regular Dimbleby, and longed to hear it was Nick in the chair on Friday evenings.
Quite how Barbara, the twins and the rest of Nick's family can cope with this terrible event I don't know, but they will hear & see the most remarkable tributes being paid to a truly remarkable broadcaster & person.
Sincerely & sadly, Deborah Hackett

  • 21.
  • At 02:15 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • mr alan raistrick wrote:

Ilistened to nick's radio diary earlier this year and was moved to tears.His style and velvet voice will remain a fond memory for me,my sincere go condolencies to his wife and family

  • 22.
  • At 02:26 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • John de Bono wrote:

A great loss: Nick Clarke was a better all-round broadcaster than Jonathan Dimbleby or even Jeremy Paxman as he had all the skill, greater politeness and none of the ego.

Luckily WATO has a worthy, gritty, young successor in Sean Ley. But there is no one with as beautiful and unaffected a voice.

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ seems not to employ Nick's type anymore. It is a shame, as his gentlemanly type is what made the ´óÏó´«Ã½ great.

  • 23.
  • At 02:44 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Tina Brown wrote:

What very sad news. And to leave a young wife and small boys. Nick Clarke was a consummate professional with a wonderful, rich voice -he will be sorely missed as one of broadcasting's greats.

Tina Brown

  • 24.
  • At 02:47 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Jan Southon wrote:

As a shift worker I sampled Nick's skills only erratically. That said, I was always impressed by his courteous yet unflappable style. He never let a question go unanswered. John de Bono's comment about the lack of ego is spot on - that was what struck me most about him. He did not take sides - he was a champion for all, and would not let glib remarks at the expense of others pass unchallenged. Having recently lost my own father to cancer, I hope that the ´óÏó´«Ã½ will gather all the comments about Nick and present them to his wife and children in such a way that, when the pain starts to ease, they can reflect on the fact that their husband/father was held in such high esteem. To them he was the best in the world, but to know so many others thought the same will be a real comfort.
My thoughts are with them.

  • 25.
  • At 02:51 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Steve Porter wrote:

I was deeply moved by Nick's audio diary that showed him as a great and thoughtfull man.

His voice will be truly missed from the airwaves.

Our deepest sympathies to his wife and children at such a time.

  • 26.
  • At 03:07 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • H Tobin wrote:

My heart goes out to his wife, children and all his family and friends. We felt we knew him because he and his family were generous enough to share their story, which meant so much to other sufferers. I'm so sad there was not a happy ending.

  • 27.
  • At 03:30 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Micheline wrote:

I have just heard the news of Nick Clarke's death, and feel shocked and sad that he will not be presenting the World At One again. I always felt he was compassionate as well as courteous in the way he interviewed people and I think, often got nearer to the truth because of this. Like the other listeners who have responded, I feel like I have lost a friend.

  • 28.
  • At 03:34 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • steve wrote:

I just heard the news about Nick Clarke and to my shame I hadn't realised he was ill. As I type this I am listneing to his audio diary and his youngest children calling out to him. Cancer is tragic for everyone and my sympathy goes out to his wife and all his children. I will miss his voice and calming influence. A Sad loss

  • 29.
  • At 04:03 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Alan Broadway wrote:

Some broadcasters were born to be seen; Nick was made to be heard. Clear speech and just the right pitch and tone, not like the soft/loud, mumbling voices so often now found.

His interviews consisted of concise questioning in an investigative but non aggresive manner. By such method he usually extracted answers far more than the interviewee intended.

In these changing times Nick made me appreciate the spoken word and the art of conversation.

Heartfelt condolences to Nicks wife and family. We all know he is irreplaceable and I feel like I've lost a brother.

  • 30.
  • At 04:04 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Eddie (Flatroofer) wrote:

Nick Clarke is tragic loss of a talented gentleman broadcaster.I trust God will comfort his family.

  • 31.
  • At 04:06 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Pam Johnson wrote:

A great shock to hear this sad news - his contribution to Radio 4 will be much missed.
With deepest sympathy to all Nick's family, friends and colleagues.

  • 32.
  • At 04:08 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Nick wrote:

I was stunned when I heard the news and really moved by the tributes to him in the programme broadcast at lunchtime.

He had the most amazing voice for radio, as well as a charming manner to go with it and a determination to get to the truth in an interview.

I only hope that the high regard in which we all held him can prove some comfort to his family.

  • 33.
  • At 04:13 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Mark J wrote:

Nick Clarke was always on Radio 4 from the day I started listening to it. He had the perfect manner, the perfect attitude and the perfect style of interviewing. He was easily the best broadcaster we've had in a long time and he'll be greatly missed.
I'm so sorry for his family and friends at this time, and Radio 4 just won't feel the same without him.

  • 34.
  • At 04:21 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Joyce Hackney wrote:

How sad !

His apparent recovery had seemed such good news,I can hardly take in the fact that he has died.

I shall miss his voice and his calm and thorough interviewing style.

Condolences to his family and friends.

  • 35.
  • At 04:28 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Sally Yoxall wrote:

So moved by Nick's audio diary and the generosity of his family for sharing his story. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his untimely death and my heart goes out to his family and friends for their great loss.

  • 36.
  • At 04:37 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Ian Walters wrote:

This is very sad news. It is hard to find words which have not already been said which adequately describe Nick's professionalism as a broadcaster and personal qualities. I was privileged to know Nick when we worked together occasionally about 10 years ago. He was a wonderful man with a powerful intelect and charming manner. We are poorer without him. My deepest sympathy goes to his wife and children.

  • 37.
  • At 04:40 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Kev Brighting wrote:

A brave man.
A brilliant broadcaster.
A tragic loss.

  • 38.
  • At 04:45 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Mike Harvey wrote:

So very sorry to read of Nicks death. His steady manner & rich voice was reassuring no matter how bad (or good) the news or information he was broadcasting. I will miss his company at lunchtimes as I drive.
My thoughts too are for his wife & the twins, it's so very sad them to loose a companion & father.
Broadcasters of his integrity & calibre are rare.

  • 39.
  • At 05:15 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Shirley Coombes wrote:

Hearing about Nick Clarke's death was like losing a treasured friend. I enjoyed Any Questions far more when he was in the Chair and relished his sense of humour. Thank you for the WATO tribute today, it was spot-on.
My condolences to Barbara, all his children and to his loved ones.
Thank you Nick, we will miss you greatly.

  • 40.
  • At 05:19 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Philip wrote:

It must have been very difficult to carry out the old adage 'the show must go on' when you have lost a great friend and colleague.

I am listening to his voice right now on the PM programme. I cannot believe that from now on we will have only these recordings to hear that voice of truth, honesty and integrity.

  • 41.
  • At 05:39 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Vicky Strang (Boydell) wrote:

What a terrible loss - heart breaking for family and friends, but also a deep sadness to countless folk like me who counted him as a friend because he became a familiar part of our daily lives. We trusted him, respected him, enjoyed his repartee and followed his battle against cancer, rejoicing at his return. We will be upholding his family in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

  • 42.
  • At 05:40 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • stephen shaw wrote:

very sorry to hear of Nick Clarke's death - a superb journalist and presenter. With condolences to his wife and family.

  • 43.
  • At 05:48 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Tim Bradshaw wrote:

I am a daily Radio 4 listener. I have always found Nick's broadcasts compulsive listening. I listened to his audio diary and was very moved by Nick's, Barbara's and their young childrens'reaction to his leg amputation. I lost my wife to cancer 4 years ago; and really hoped that Nick had beaten his cancer. To hear the tragic news of his death this lunchtime really shook me. My sincere condolences to Nick's family and friends, and of course all of his ´óÏó´«Ã½ colleagues. We have all lost a very special person, who will be missed by us all.

  • 44.
  • At 05:48 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Peter Bladon wrote:

Thank you, ´óÏó´«Ã½, for your excellent extended WATO today (23.11.2006) reporting Nick Clarke's sad death, and your speedy eulogies of his life. There is nothing that I can add to all the true and wonderful things already said by so many people who knew and worked with him.

Nick's audio diary of his operation was so moving - again, thank you for having broadcast it - and I don't mind confessing that as a male OAP I was moved to tears at today's shock news of his death.

Some questions arise. Firstly, what was the date of Nick's birth? All data I've seen so far has only given the year, 1948.

Next, why was there so little information given on Radio about the progress of his health? The audio diary was the first I remember hearing about his illness (I'm not able to listen to Radio4 every day. It was great to hear him back on WATO in August, but he disappeared again soon after, and so today's news was such a shock, not knowing that "the thing" had returned.

It was good to read in one of your web features that his wife and twin boys are church-goers. Very little, if anything, was said either by him or by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ about his own faith (or otherwise) in God. Is the fact that he used God's Name as a sort of expletive significant? ("Oh, God"; "my God"; etc) We cannot say where he is now, God alone can be judge of that, but God's Word in the Bible is clear.

Will the ´óÏó´«Ã½ seek further broadcasters of Nick's ilk? Sean Ley seems an adequate replacement, but Nick's was an almost impossible "act to follow". It is invidious to name others who come up to some of Nick's standards, but Eddie Mayer (Mair? -sorry, don't know the spelling) who gave the first excellent obituary of Nick on WATO today, is very good on the 5pm programme, and John Humphreys on "Today" (he can't be lumped together with J Paxman! though he is a bit naughty in interrupting his interviewees); and the Dimblebys; and others. The main thrust of this question is that the general moral standards of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ have dropped atrociously since Lord Reith had that wonderful Latin inscription put over the original home for the ´óÏó´«Ã½. Nick Clarke was one of the few who seemed to uphold those principles; the mealy-mouthed statement a few months ago by one of the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s leaders, to the effect that those principles are out-of-date, was pitiful.

  • 45.
  • At 06:01 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Fiona T wrote:

Sincere condolences to the family of Nick Clarke. What a sad day for the country - to lose its best news presenter and a true gentleman. Nick's distinctive voice and unique style made my lunchtime 'dates' with him an enjoyable, informative and unmissable part of my day.Rest in peace Nick.

  • 46.
  • At 06:15 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Val Newton wrote:

His diction and eloquence were a joy. When he returned to the airwaves we relished his melifluous voice even more. His death at such a young age is a tragedy ... but he will always live on in our memories.

  • 47.
  • At 06:27 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • simon readman wrote:

A terrible loss to so many. My thoughts are with Nicks family.

  • 48.
  • At 06:34 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Maria wrote:

Having Nick's voice on our radio every lunchtime was like having a father in the house. He seemed to be the voice of reason cutting through so much of today's insincerity and ego driven society. He seemed to be here as protection and representation of us the public, the guardian of truth and clarity. His sharp intellect was only the tip of the iceberg. How can the anonymous listener know this? His beautiful warm voice gave it all away. Our deepest sympathy to his family and to all who cherished him.

  • 49.
  • At 06:39 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Vivien Ratcliffe wrote:

I was stunned and saddened to learn of the death of Nick Clark. He was a joy to listen to and I, like everyone else, will miss his brilliance greatly.
I thought he was on the mend and was so thrilled, in the summer, when he returned to the airwaves; that's why I was stunned. I hadn't realised the cancer had returned.
To his family and ´óÏó´«Ã½ colleagues who will be hurting, I offer my condolences for their great personal loss.

  • 50.
  • At 07:11 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Eileen wrote:

What sad news. Nick was an exceptional broadcaster. He showed great courage in fighting his illness and I was so pleased to hear him on R4 again recently. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his wife and family.

  • 51.
  • At 07:14 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • alan folkard wrote:

This is very sad news. Nick made the World at One a 'must listen to' Programme. I offer my great sympathy to his wife and family, and also to all his colleagues. Could we also spare a thought for Shaun Lay who does a great job in trying to follow in Nick's great footsteps. Maybe the ´óÏó´«Ã½ should consider some kind of annual memorial to Nick.

  • 52.
  • At 07:42 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Joanna wrote:

Ww were so sorry to hear of Nick Clarke's death - especially after such a fight. His pleasant voice meant radio 4 and he will be much missed.

  • 53.
  • At 07:51 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Jill Dickinson wrote:

A personal recollection - Nick was present at many family gatherings when I was very young - he taught me to eat a cadburys milk flake with a knife and fork whilst wearing sheepskin mittens - now that's a talent!
A lovely, lovely man.

  • 54.
  • At 08:01 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • cate D wrote:

Nick had an authoritative voice with a calm reassuring tone that made one happy to listen and ready to engage.
I am very sad that his illness had an unhappy ending.
Thoughts and prayers are for his family and colleagues.

  • 55.
  • At 08:05 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Chris Knapman wrote:

Such very sad news.I missed him so much when he was first ill and was so delighted when he returned, now this awful blow. My thoughts are with his family.

  • 56.
  • At 08:55 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • linda sonntag wrote:

So so sad. Been taking comfort by trawling through the many sensitive tributes after writing my own earlier. Can't stop thinking about Nick and what a presence he was in my house. What a terrible thing it must be to lose such a man for those close to him, if it feels this bad to me.

  • 57.
  • At 09:01 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Judy Newton-Davies wrote:

So many eloquent expressions of loss already - how to add anything new? I too had just started to wonder if something was amiss, having been overjoyed at Nick's return to broadcasting in the autumn, followed by a disturbingly abrupt disappearance. Yes, he embodied everything that is best about ´óÏó´«Ã½ journalism - always well-prepared, unfailingly courteous, and with a razor-sharp mind which took few prisoners. He made everything he touched clearer for his audience, and rightly earned the respect of almost everyone he interviewed. Please, ´óÏó´«Ã½, make his legacy be a real commitment to uphold the standard which he created. Much as I like Paxman, Humphrys, et al, the magic which was Nick's hall-mark was about listening to the responses of his interviewees and allowing them to shape the discussion instead of interrupting with the next question before a proper answer could be formulated. So much more dignified, informative, and truly gracious.

A huge loss to us all, which I hope in the bleak times ahead will be of some comfort to Barbara and his family.

  • 58.
  • At 09:25 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • chap wrote:

It's just such desperately sad and unexpected news that Nick Clarke's died.

A lot has happened in 2006 but, on reflection, I will remember this year largely for Nick's Audio diary of his illness, listening to his return to radio broadcasting hosting Question Time (and applauding him along with the the live audience) and then the body-blow of today's bleak and final news.

He will be missed.

  • 59.
  • At 10:10 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Jan wrote:

I remember Nick from when I was a junior at the Yorkshire Evening Post. It was obvious he was going places. He became the epitome of what many of us consider the best of ´óÏó´«Ã½ news broadcasting. A calm, reasoned, fair voice making sense of a mad world. I will miss him awfully.

  • 60.
  • At 10:11 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Gary Lysaght wrote:

What a terrible shock - I have lived abroad for a few years now but remember well being interviewed a few times by Nick minutes before the World at One for my comments as a Catholic ethicist: intelligent, incisive, and utterly without prejudice - everything that the ´óÏó´«Ã½ stood and stands for; and a level of journalism that is sadly unknown, apart from the odd exception, here in Spain.

  • 61.
  • At 10:33 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • M Carroll wrote:

How sad. How terribly sad for his wife and children, family and friends. Nick Clarke's audio diary earlier this year was one of the most moving radio programmes I've ever heard. His broadcasting was second to none. He will be missed.

  • 62.
  • At 10:37 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Grahame wrote:

This sudden and unexpected news when Nick seemed to have made a recovery is very sad. For me his death ranks alongside other great and well loved journalists such as Brian Redhead.

I grew up watching his reporting for ´óÏó´«Ã½ North West and later on both TV and radio; his calm informative style with such a distinctive voice will be sorely missed.

  • 63.
  • At 10:48 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Jacky Lyons wrote:

A true and brave gentleman. An enormous loss to the airways.

  • 64.
  • At 11:04 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • Doone wrote:

So sorry and sad to hear of Nick Clarke's death. His account of his illness, broadcast earlier this year, was one of the most moving, honest and courageous pieces I can remember hearing on the radio and will stay with me for a very long time.

What a remarkable man.

  • 65.
  • At 11:16 PM on 23 Nov 2006,
  • margaret Kelland wrote:

I have never contacted you before, but Nick Clarke became a part of all our lives. There was something about his voice that made you believe he really cared about the truth. We are all touched by his journey to peace.

  • 66.
  • At 12:06 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Thomas Wedd wrote:

A consumate professional and a man of considerable gravitas. He was a reassuring voice at lunchtime, taking the politicians and others to task in his polite, incisive and unyielding way. He will be sorely missed. My utmost sympathies to his family.

Nick was a voice of authority and reason. And though most of us never met him, his voice was like that of an old friend. Rest in peace, Nick - you lived a life of purpose and great value, and God bless your family at this tragic time.

  • 68.
  • At 02:19 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Hugh Wilson wrote:

A few days ago I had commented to my girlfriend that I had not heard Nick Clarke on the radio recently and it was she who broke this awful news to me yesterday morning. Nick Clarke was the archetypal ´óÏó´«Ã½ broadcaster. He will be remembered for his tenacious yet charming style of interviewing. He was able to get his interviewees on the back foot not by bullying or berating them but by sheer strength of argument, put across in a mild, courteous manner. If he needed to prevent a politician from going off the point, he would have the courage to interupt them but would always apologise at the same time for doing so. It seems so cruel that this should have happened when we all thought that he was making a recovery and coming back to work. Weekdays at 1.00pm will never be the same again. My heart goes out to his family.

  • 69.
  • At 09:08 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Alice Noon wrote:

Nick's audio diary about his cancer was as I have already heard quoted, the most moving piece of journalism I have ever heard on radio 4. It bought him alive as a person and that is one of the reasons why I feel so very very sad to hear of his death. I am thinking of his wife and sons and they are in my prayers. My thoughts are with his colleagues too.

  • 70.
  • At 09:43 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Marion wrote:

Such sad news and what a shock - if listeners feel so strongly how devasted his family must feel - I only hope they will be comforted by the huge outpouring of emotion for the loss of such a gentleman - he proved that as an interviewer it is not necessary for interviewers to bully and hector interviewees to get the truth. His courtesy and dignity are such an example to all of us.

Have his audio diaries been printed? - unfortunatley I was not able to listen to them on radio and have only heard snatches of them.

  • 71.
  • At 09:46 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Steve Vince wrote:

I was deeply moved by Nick's audio diary which was broadcast earlier this year and I absolutely respect Nick and his family's courage for sharing this with us.

I am so saddened to hear of Nick's death and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Nick Clarke...what an inspiration to us all!!

  • 72.
  • At 09:46 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Marion wrote:

Such sad news and what a shock - if listeners feel so strongly how devasted his family must feel - I only hope they will be comforted by the huge outpouring of emotion for the loss of such a gentleman - he proved that it is not necessary to bully and hector interviewees to get to the truth. His courtesy and dignity are such an example to all of us.

Have his audio diaries been printed? - unfortunatley I was not able to listen to them on radio and have only heard snatches of them.

  • 73.
  • At 10:14 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • vikki wrigglesworth wrote:

I have really missed Nick over the last weeks and came to fear the worst...such a huge loss to us listeners so I cannot begin to imagine the loss to his family.
Every sympathy to his family, especially the little ones who were so moving in the diaries.
In years to come perhaps these messages will allow them a flavour of the love in which their father was held by those who only new his voice.

  • 74.
  • At 10:34 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Nick Mellis wrote:

The death of Nick has come as a big personal blow to me.

As an avid listener to the World at One since leaving school in 1997, he brought the world and what was happening in it closer to me.

His moving recent diary about his and his family's personal battle with Caner I found very emotional and gave an even deeper insight to a man which I already held in very high regard.

My lunchtime's have not been the same over the past 18 months since he has been off the air trying to beat this disease.

My hopes and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

Nick we will never forget you!!!

  • 75.
  • At 11:27 AM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Colette Byatt wrote:

The terribly sad news yesterday lunchtime stopped me in my tracks. I felt so shocked to hear that Nick had lost his courageous battle.

It was always such a pleasure to listen to his programmes - his courteous manner tinged with a hint of mischief now and then!

Like millions of listeners, I was delighted when he returned briefly to the airwaves - an incredibly brave move on his part so soon after major surgery.

Many of us felt as though we had come to know Nick and his family through the poignant audio diary which they so selflessly shared with us all. Now it is deeply saddening to think that this lovely family have lost such a wonderful husband and doting father, putting our own sense of loss into perspective.

My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues who have truly lost one of the best.

  • 76.
  • At 02:14 PM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • pat tapping wrote:

Much sympathy to all your family You will be missed greatly

  • 77.
  • At 02:25 PM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Alison Sanders wrote:

I know it has all been said but I cannot let this occasion go by without adding my condolences not only to Nick Clarke's family but also to his colleagues.
I, too listened with incredulity to his honest, brave and factual recording of his Cancer Diary "Fighting to be Normal". All praise to his wife too for showing such courage in agreeing to have it broadcast. I would dearly love to have a copy of it (Peter Beddoe, please note) as I was unable to record it at the time. We'll miss your superb voice, Nick and forever courteous, yet penetrating approach to your interviewees and subjects. A true inspiration and example to us all. Alison Sanders.

  • 78.
  • At 03:04 PM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Stuart Singleton-White wrote:

There is a big hole in ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4, in journalism and in the lives of the many millions of us who listened to, and so hugely admired the professionalism, dedication and work of Nick Clarke. If only there were more like him. Incisive, intelligent and rapier like in his questioning; yet at all times showing great respect and politeness to his interviewees. Contrast that to the all too oft style of hectoring, interrupting and self importance in the approach to too many of today’s political interviewers. He should be a standard reference to all journalists and would be journalists (old and new).

My thoughts are with his family at this desperately sad time, but I hope they will take comfort in the knowledge that he brought pleasure and enlightenment to many millions of Radio 4 listeners.

  • 79.
  • At 06:01 PM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Isabelle Sporidis wrote:

I too would like to add a few words. Some Radio voices have real resonance and Nick's was one of them. I will miss his gentleness. A reassuring voice sadly lost to us; and one I grew up with too like many others here posted. We are fighting cancer in my family too and feel this loss on all sorts of levels.

  • 80.
  • At 07:49 PM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Judith Ridgewell wrote:

I will really miss all Nick Clark's contributions especiallly the last Any Questions and Any answers when he treated everyone with respect and gave everyone time and space to put over their point of view.A courageous man. Rest in peace.

  • 81.
  • At 08:32 PM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Patsi Goodman wrote:

What sad and devastating news. Nick Clarke was a wonderful broadcaster and a truly remarkable interviewer and, like so many others who only 'knew' him on the Radio, I feel I have lost a friend.

After his brave and courageous battle against such a cruel disease, the loss must be even harder to bear and my heartfelt wishes go out to his family and friends.

Words aren't enough to fill the sad gap he will leave but the world will be a poorer place without this very special man. We shall miss you Nick.

  • 82.
  • At 11:47 PM on 24 Nov 2006,
  • Michael wrote:

With so many others, I was shocked to hear of Nick's death. A fine reporter whose voice will be sorely missed on the radio.

I hope the sentiments expressed on this page go some way to comfort his wife and family.

  • 83.
  • At 06:19 PM on 25 Nov 2006,
  • Christine Robbins wrote:

Little more can be added to these wonderful tributes to this admirable man. I offer a quotation given to me by a friend when my father died;
'say not in sadness that he is no more, but in thankfulness that he was'. Perhaps in time this may be possible. My sincere sympathy to his loving family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

  • 84.
  • At 03:14 PM on 27 Nov 2006,
  • GEORGE BURNS wrote:

Nick Clark was the best presenter on WATO there has been over many years.

Today's presenters should have listened and learned.. they missed their chance because none of them come near. I rarely listen to the full half hour now.

  • 85.
  • At 01:32 PM on 29 Nov 2006,
  • Martin Cohen wrote:

Sad, sad news. I always found his presentation/interviewing style of W-At-O convincing, informative, probing yet polite. His appearances on Any Questions were equally welcome and a refreshing change from the ego based Dimbleby style. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ should note the enormously high regard in which the public held him and a clear indication of the calibre of journalist presenters we need at the ´óÏó´«Ã½. I congratulate the W-At-O team for the excellent choice of Sean Ley as current presenter. A worthy successor indeed. Sincere condolences to Nick's family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

  • 86.
  • At 05:20 PM on 12 Jan 2007,
  • Barrie WILSON wrote:

I have just 'listened again' (but for me the first time) to the Nick Clark audio tape, which reminded me I had corresponded with him when I learned that he was biographer of Alistair Cook. What a loss! Had he lived to the age that Cook did, the world would have been an immensely richer place than it already is for his short presence. His style, voice and, yes, grace was "Cookian", although I don't know if Cookie ever actually interviewed anybody for the ´óÏó´«Ã½. Cook's "Good Evening" (on Fridays) and "Good Morning" (on Sundays) was echoed for me - and as inspirational - as the rich baritone of :"... this is Nick Clark with the World at One".
I always sighed with relief when he replaced Dimbleby on Any Questions (and Any Answers, where he soothed even the most savage of breast-beating listeners to R4). God knows where we may now turn - perhaps He is preparing a fitting inheritor;
Nick deserves it, and after him we need one.

  • 87.
  • At 01:03 PM on 13 Jan 2007,
  • di newman wrote:


I too, was greatly saddened by the news of Nick Clark's death and wondered how many other people have lost their lives and loved ones to the same condition, that robbed Nick and his family of his life? And raise the following concerns:

* were symptoms picked up earlier enough by GP etc

* did this amount to apppropriate referrals?

* ifnothing was found yet symptoms prevailed - what was then done?

* did GP referrals cease?

* what were the timescale of referrals and test?

* when did/were investigations cease/ed?

* when was it realised by the NHS that something serious was at bay?

1) I have been struggling with the PCT and NHS Hospital for investigations and am now told to go "private".
2) I now appear to have developed venus ulcers behind the knee where I have a large swelling which is also in my inner thigh -
3) yet, I have been told by consultants I cannot have further investigations on the NHS
4) and encouraged to go "private" by my GP
5) I have lost much use of that leg
6) my GP informed me "not to mention" my leg to her
7) where does the buck stop? When I lose my leg, along with potentially many others in the same situation?

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