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Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek dies aged 80

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has sadly died at the age of 80, it has been confirmed.

The legendary TV presenter died on Sunday following a battle with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Confirming the news, a statement on the official Twitter account for Jeopardy! read: ‘Jeopardy is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.’

Star Trek actor William Shatner led tributes for Trebek and tweeted: ‘Very sorry to hear the news about Alex Trebek. Condolences to his family.’

Actor Armie Hammer described Trebek as the ‘greatest host of one of the greatest shows of all time.

Halloween actress Jamie Lee Curtis said: ‘The answer is….. THANK YOU! Alex Trebek. You were grace and guts and humour and deep love.’

Trebek announced his cancer diagnosis in March 2019 and immediately began chemotherapy. Despite his health battle, Trebek continued hosting Jeopardy! which he had fronted since 1984.

Earlier this year, the TV star shared an update on his fight against cancer and said on Good Morning America: ‘I’d be lying if I said the journey had been an easy one. There were some good days, but a lot of not-so-good days.’

Trebek had earlier said he was ‘optimistic’ while undergoing chemotherapy but said at his lowest point, he had lost 12 pounds and doctors suggested further treatment.

When he announced his cancer diagnosis, Trebek was signed on to continue hosting Jeopardy! until 2022 but joked: ‘Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years!’

In addition to the cancer, Trebek suffered mild heart attacks twice – first in 2007 and then again in 2012.

After starting his career on Canadian TV, Trebek was introduced to US audiences in 1973 when he fronted the NBC show The Wizard of Odds.

From there he went on to present variety game show High Rollers before landing the Jeopardy! hosting spot that would make him a household name.

Trebek won six Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host and even set a Guinness World Record in June 2014 for the most episodes of a game show hosted with 6,829 under his belt.

By the time of his death, he had hosted more than 8,000 episodes.

The beloved presenter is survived by his wife Jean and their two children, Matthew and Emily.

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Source: metro.co.uk