'Carte Blanche' presenter Derek Watts has died

Veteran TV host and journalist Derek Watts has died. He passed away on Tuesday after battling cancer. Watts was 74. 

In June, Carte Blanche announced that he would step away from the camera to focus on his health.

He was diagnosed with skin cancer last year which reportedly spread to his lungs. 

Earlier this year he was rushed to ICU after a suspected stroke.

“Looks scary, but collapsed with suspected stroke in Hoedspruit 14 days ago and dispatched to super-pro Milpark Hospital ICU,” Watts told fans, posting a photo from his hospital bed.

Watts revealed he was diagnosed with “severe sepsis which destroyed the bod (sic) in an hour” and was learning to walk again.

Carte Blanche confirmed his passing. 

In a short statement, the show's executive produce John Webb said: “We’re all deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and patriarch. Having been with Carte Blanche from the beginning, Derek became synonymous with the show, and we acknowledge that it’s largely because of him that we have become who we are.

"Derek was a consummate professional and a dyed-in-the-wool television journalist. But, more importantly, he was a profoundly decent and kind man. We will miss him.” 

M-Net also issued a statement, extending its condolences to the family. 

“We remember him as a dedicated investigative journalist and a long-standing presenter of Carte Blanche, the channel said. 

“His unwavering commitment to his work and his determination in the face of challenges were truly remarkable.”

Watts is survived by his wife Belinda and two children.  

Colleague and fellow presenter Bongani Bingwa conveyed his condolences to the family. 

“One of the kindest, most generous professionals to ever do it. The room disappeared when he spoke to you. Even as a colleague, he made me feel like I was Mother Teresa. Condolences to Belinda and his children, Tyrone and Kirstin.” 

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