Legendary broadcaster and journalist Derek Watts has passed away at 74.
According to reports by News24, Watts’ former Carte Blanche co-host Ruda Landman stated that Watts died on Tuesday morning after battling lung cancer.
Watts received a diagnosis of skin cancer in 2022, which had already metastasised to his lungs at the time of diagnosis.
According to Watts, he noticed a lump under his arm in 2022, but he didn’t take it seriously and delayed going to the doctor. It was only after continuous insistence from his wife, Belinda, that he finally sought medical attention.
By that time, the lump had grown significantly, and a sonar scan revealed spots on his lungs.
During an interview with Rapport newspaper, Watts openly shared that he would not be returning as co-anchor to Carte Blanche and that his time with the long-running show had come to an end, marking the conclusion of an illustrious 35-year career on the programme.
Watts worked on Carte Blanche as a journalist and presenter for over 34 years and made lifelong friends along the way, including former co-presenter Ruda Landman, who hosted the show alongside Derek every Sunday evening for 19 years before she left the show in 2007.
ALSO SEE: Ruda Landman visits Derek Watts in hospital & shares updates
Ruda visited Watts in during his stay in hospital, and delivered the news of his passing to News24.
Our thoughts are with Derek’s friends and family during this difficult time.
ALSO SEE:
Legendary anchor Derek Watts bids farewell to Carte Blanche after 35 years
Feature Image: X / @thomasmlambo
