Former Carte Blanche co-host says his death feels like a ‘huge sinkhole’.
Veteran journalist Derek Watts has died.
His former Carte Blanche co-host Ruda Landman told News24 that Watts, 74, died on Tuesday morning after battling lung cancer.
Landman said Watts’ death left what felt like “a huge sinkhole” because she had known him half her life.
She described Watts as a consummate professional who was easy to work with and joked often.
Landman said she and Watts served “the most fantastic decade” in the history of the country.
“Carte Blanche started in 1988, and although it was a difficult and tumultuous year, the changes were inspiring and filled with hope. We were always live in the studio, and I was always relaxed with him next to me. Nothing could faze him. Nothing caught him off guard and unaware.
“He was always ready. His jokes always caught me off guard. We were different personalities, meaning the show had a wider range and reached more of our viewers in their hearts,” she said.
Last year, Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer that then spread to his lungs.
In June, he announced that he would be stepping back from Carte Blanche to focus on his health.
He thanked the viewers for their support and assured them he would return to the screens when he was better.
Carte Blanche and journalism colleagues expressed their shock and paid tribute to Watts on Twitter.
