BROADCASTER and journalist Nick Sheridan has passed away aged 32 after a short illness.

Originally from Wexford in Ireland, Sheridan reported for Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ News, before moving to Glasgow and presenting and reporting for STV News and BBC News.

He is best known for presenting Drivetime, Lunchtime Live, Good Morning Scotland, Seven Days and The Sunday Show. 

Sheridan also published several books - including one for  young journalists in 2021 called Breaking News: How to Tell What's Real from What's Rubbish.

He later wrote a mystery series for children which included The Case of the Runaway Brain and The Case of the Phantom Treasure.

The BBC Scotland communications team announced his passing on social media with a tribute by the head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland, Gary Smith.

Smith said: "We're devastated to hear the news our colleague and friend Nick Sheridan, has died. Nick has been a wonderful colleague.

"He was a hugely talented journalist, presenter and author – and one of those rare people who light up the lives of everyone around them.

"Our hearts go out to his parents, his partner and to all his family and friends."

Tributes have poured in from journalists and politicians who knew and worked with Sheridan.

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon reacted to the news, writing: "So terribly sad to read this. It is truly awful. Nick was young, talented, vivacious, and full of potential. What a horrible, senseless loss. My thoughts are with his family, colleagues and many friends."

Former National columnist Kirsty Strickland paid tribute. She said: "Absolutely heartbreaking news.

"Nick was such a huge talent. He was a good man - always wickedly funny and unfailingly kind. Sending love to all of his friends, family and colleagues at this awful time."

BBC journalist Elle Duffy said: "The most devastating news. Nick was one of the most welcoming and talented people I’ve ever worked with. He worked with me on some of my very first programmes and was up for any challenge. 

"The newsroom won’t be the same without him. RIP."

STV journalist Oliver Wright also paid tribute to his former colleague, writing: "Nick was one of the most talented people I’ve ever met, let alone worked with. He had an ability to capture the attention and imagination of a room instantly - and did it with a smile.

"My thoughts are with my old Radio Scotland family today. We’ve lost a friend."

SNP MP Stewart McDonald said he was "shocked to learn of Nick’s death", going on: "He was a lovely, funny guy and a brilliant journalist with a promising career ahead of him. Awful news - my sympathies to his loved ones, friends and colleagues."

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also reacted to the news on social media, writing: "This is absolutely heartbreaking news. Nick was a phenomenally talented young journalist, well-liked and with a bright future ahead of him.

"My thoughts are with his family, friends and all his colleagues at the BBC."

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross added: "This is terribly sad news. Nick was a superb journalist who embodied the best traditions of journalism. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."