Family Confirms Death After Short Illness
Roger Cook, one of the most influential names in investigative journalism, has died at the age of 83.
His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026, after a short illness.
In a statement, the family said they were deeply saddened by his passing. They also requested privacy during this difficult time.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Cook was widely known for his fearless reporting style and direct confrontation of criminals, fraudsters and dishonest operators.
He became a household name through his landmark television programme, The Cook Report, which remained one of the most popular investigative shows of its time.
From New Zealand to British Journalism
Roger James Cook was born in New Zealand in 1943.
He began his journalism career in Australia before moving to the United Kingdom in the late 1960s.
After arriving in Britain, Cook joined BBC Radio 4. He worked on several major current affairs programmes, including The World At One, PM, Checkpoint and The World This Weekend.
His early radio work helped shape his sharp reporting style. It also built the foundation for his later success on television.
Cook later moved to ITV in 1985. Two years later, he launched The Cook Report, a programme that would define his career.
The show first aired in 1987 and ran for sixteen years.
It became known for bold investigations, hidden-camera reporting and confrontations with people accused of wrongdoing.
The Cook Report Changed Investigative TV
The Cook Report became one of the most watched current affairs programmes on British television.
At its peak, it attracted more than 12 million viewers. Over the years, it produced more than 120 episodes.
Cook was credited with popularising the “doorstep interview” technique. This method involved confronting subjects directly and asking difficult questions face-to-face.
His approach was often intense, but it made powerful television.
The programme investigated scams, corruption, organised crime and consumer fraud.
Many of Cook’s reports had real-world consequences. Some helped police investigations. Others contributed to public debate and legal reforms.
In 1998, Cook received a Bafta Television Special Award for his work on The Cook Report.
His career left a lasting mark on journalism.
He showed that television reporting could do more than inform viewers. It could expose wrongdoing, challenge powerful people and push institutions to act.
Roger Cook will be remembered as a tough, determined and fearless journalist who made swindlers uncomfortable and gave investigative journalism a sharper public voice.
