Sir Paul McCartney Pays Tribute To School Friend Peter Sissons After Newsreader's Death

The pair attended school together in Liverpool in the 1950s and had kept in touch over the years.

Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to his former school friend Peter Sissons, following the newsreader’s death at the age of after 77.

The pair attended school together in Liverpool in the 1950s, alongside Paul’s eventual Beatles bandmate George Harrison.

Peter Sissons died at the age of 77
Peter Sissons died at the age of 77
PA Media: Entertainment

Sir Paul shared a special tribute to his old friend on his official website, along with a picture of them from their school days.

Paul on the passing of childhood friend and broadcast journalist Peter Sissons: https://t.co/9mB45Lv0vS pic.twitter.com/WHsgYEwdf8

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 2, 2019

He wrote: “Dear Peter, my old school mate from the Liverpool Institute (now LIPA) has passed away.

“It’s so sad to hear the news. We were in the same year and stayed in touch as time went by and we both followed our separate careers.

“He was a talented news presenter with a great sense of humour. I will miss him but always have fond memories of the time we spent together.

“My sympathies go out to his family and I send my love to them all.

“Thanks for the good times Pete. X.”

Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to his late friend
Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to his late friend
PA Wire/PA Images

Sad to hear about death of Peter Sissons. Once interviewed him about this 1951 photo: Peter is on left, with hand on John Lennon’s shoulder. Classmate from Dovedale School, Liverpool, with fists up is Jimmy Tarbuck. Future Cambridge don, Everton footballer, etc in pic too. pic.twitter.com/YMmw1IwHXA

— Peter Allen (@peterallenparis) October 2, 2019

Former BBC and ITN news anchor Peter died on Tuesday in hospital surrounded by his family.

Many other names from the world of broadcasting previously have since shared their tributes, with BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce describing him as “one of the loveliest men” in the business.

“His brilliance in news was well known but to me, he was generous, funny, a bit naughty and so kind. I will miss him very much,” she said.

BBC news presenter Simon McCoy also paid his respects, tweeting: “Very sorry to hear of the death of former colleague Peter Sissons. A great journalist and a fine presenter at ITN and the BBC. #RIP”

Peter’s career in journalism spanned over 40 years and retired from broadcasting in 2009.

In 2011 he published his autobiography in which he criticised the BBC for what he saw as its left-wing bias.

He is survived by his wife Sylvia and three children Kate, Michael and Jonathan.

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