Tributes paid to BBC Radio Wales presenter Nicola Heywood-Thomas

BBC Radio Wales presenter and Welsh television host Nicola Heywood-Thomas has died at the age of 67.

Nicola started her media career at Radio Wales straight from university and was best known for her 18-year stint as the main presenter on HTV News.

Most recently she hosted the Radio Wales Art Show.

BBC Radio Wales tweeted: “Wales has lost one of its greatest broadcasters. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Nicola Heywood Thomas.

“Nicola has been the voice of arts coverage in Wales for more than 25 years.”

ITV Wales News also paid tribute: “We are very sad to hear of the passing of Nicola Heywood Thomas. She presented Wales at Six for more than 15 years. Our condolences to all her family and friends at this time.”

Radio Wales editor Carolyn Hitt added: “A huge loss to Welsh broadcasting. All of us at BBC Radio Wales are deeply saddened at the death of our wonderful colleague & friend Nicola Heywood Thomas.

“An iconic journalist & champion of Welsh arts. Condolences to Nicola’s family – especially her children Tom, Beca and Alys.”

BBC Radio Wales has been paying tribute during its programmes since the sad news was announced on Thursday evening.