Esteemed investigative journalist Roger Cook, best known for current affairs programme The Cook Report, has died aged 83.
His family 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.”
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His lengthy career of investigative reporting saw Mr Cook work with the BBC in the 1960s across a number of radio and TV shows, including Checkpoint and Newsnight, before moving to ITV.
Mr Cook hosted the famous ITV investigative news and current affairs series The Cook Report between 1987 and 1999, which was largely produced by Central Independent Television in Nottingham.
The journalist was born in New Zealand and later moved to Australia, where he began his career at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
In a statement, ITV 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.
His lengthy career of investigative reporting saw Mr Cook work with the BBC in the 1960s across a number of radio and TV shows
|PA
“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.”
Mr Cook's pioneering programme won a BAFTA in 1997, as well as a number of other awards.
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Over the course of 12 years, and spanning 16 series and 120 episodes of television, he travelled the globe uncovering serious cases of criminal activity.
His undercover stings, including people smuggling, drug dealing and the tainted blood scandal, drew in millions of viewers.
The Cook Report exposed child pornography, Northern Ireland protection rackets, baby trading in Brazil and the illicit ivory trade.
He also looked at illegal immigration, war criminals in Bosnia and those behind 9/11 and other terrorist plots.
Mr Cook also exposed the Russian black market in weapons-grade plutonium.
A number of his programmes were followed by successful police prosecutions or major changes in the law.
It is said he faced a number of cancer battles over the years, and died in hospital with his wife Frances and daughter Belinda by his bedside.