talkSPORT presenter Russell Hargreaves has died aged 45

Sports presenter and commentator Russell Hargreaves has died aged 45.

talkSPORT announced the news on Hawksbee and Jacob’s programme on Wednesday with a tribute from his colleagues at the station.

Russell was a familiar voice across the talkSPORT network covering football, golf and rugby and had spells as a presenter of talkSPORT Extra Time and talkSPORT 2.

The station released a statement which read: “We’re deeply saddened to tell you that Russell Hargreaves has passed away. Russ was a talented commentator, news reader and reporter for our network. But he was much more than that. A much-loved friend and colleague to so many. We’re devastated by his passing. RIP, Russ.”

Head of talkSPORT, Liam Fisher, led the tributes on social media saying the ‘output is weaker’ without Russell, while on-air the station’s golf correspondent, Rupert Bell, said: “Russ was the most committed of reporters 100 per cent at all times. He relished being part of our small golf team, never wanting to leave his post as the host of talkSPORT 2’s coverage.

“We adored him and our occasional cheeky ones at the end of the day. His one failing…cutlery was often an optional extra and he took eating off a knife to a new level. We will miss him horribly at next year’s Open.”

Hargreaves worked at talkSPORT for more than ten years. Previously, he spent time at Sky Sports and Sports Media.