Legendary ITV broadcaster and investigative journalist Roger Cook has died at the age of 83, his family has announced.
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Cook, best known for his long-running television program The Cook Report, in which he famously exposed criminal operations.
His investigative work cast a wide net, and Cook exposed child pornography, police department corruption, baby trading in Brazil, time share frauds and the infamous ivory trade, bringing the criminals involved to justice.
Cook famously exposed high-profile criminal Johnny "Goldfinger" Palmer's multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme in 1994. His on-screen investigation helped land Palmer eight years behind bars.
Following more than two decades of publicly exposing criminals, Cook's family said he died peacefully on Saturday after battling an illness.
"Alongside a distinguished and award-winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father," they said in a statement. "He will be deeply missed by all of us. We ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss."
Cook's Television Series Aired For 16 Seasons
Driven by Cook's fearlessness and tireless pursuit of truth, The Cook Report became a major on-screen success. The series debuted on ITV in 1987 and aired until 1999.
In 1997, Cook was given a special BAFTA award for 25 years of outstanding investigative reporting. At its peak, The Cook Report attracted up to 12 million viewers.
In 2007, he revisited some of his most famous cases in a 90-minute special, Roger Cook's Greatest Hits. The renowned journalist shared that he received death threats for the special.
ITV said in a statement that Cook "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. We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time," the television network added.
