BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt says 'it's sad' as show honours Graham Thorpe

Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty addressed the heartbreaking death of Graham Thorpe during Friday's BBC Breakfast. The cricket icon, who would have turned 56 today, will be honoured in a special match.

Following their chat with sports correspondent Mike Bushell, Naga remarked: "You've led us very nicely into talking about the cricket legend Graham Thorpe, who's going to be honoured later at the overall test match between England and India in support of the mental health charity, Mind."

Charlie added: "The former England and Surrey cricketer will be celebrated on what would have been his 56th birthday.

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"Graham took his own life in August last year after struggling with anxiety and depression for many years. Our reporter John McGuire has been speaking to Brent's family and loved ones."

After the segment, Charlie and Naga connected with their colleague John, who was stationed at The Oval. Charlie stated: "Well, let's go straight to John now, who's at The Oval for us this morning," reports the Express.

"Morning to you, John. It's going to be a very special day there, isn't it? Many memories, sad memories, obviously, but also a celebration of a great cricketer."

John responded: "Yeah, Charlie. He spent his entire career here at Surrey, Graham Thorpe, and as you saw in the film there, wherever you go around here, whoever you talk to, he is one of the names that you see.

"It's a venue steeped in history, The Oval, and when you glance at the honours board, it's adorned with some of the most illustrious names in cricket.

"And Thorpe is right up there, so I believe it will be a special day, a poignant day on what would have been his 56th birthday, as you mentioned earlier, but a day to celebrate his life, which is what the family certainly wanted."

Graham Thorpe tragically died on 4 August last year after battling depression and anxiety.

The cricketing icon will be honoured today, with 'A Day for Thorpey' taking place at The Oval during England's fifth Test against India. His signature headband will be sold to raise funds for the mental health charity, Mind.

BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.

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