'Police Ten 7' host and former policeman Graham Bell has died aged 78 after a battle with cancer.
His family told 1News he passed “peacefully surrounded by loved ones” yesterday. They remembered him as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected former Detective Inspector and host of Police Ten 7.”
His family thanked everyone for their support and asked for privacy at this time.
Bell retired from the police in 2001 but became a popular name in Kiwi homes through TV series ‘Police Ten 7’, which he hosted until 2014.
He became famous for his brilliant way of calling out criminals, with classics like “gutless goons,” “morons" and “scumbags”.
Bell also featured as a mediator in another NZ television classic 'Neighbours at War'. He would step in to settle disputes, using his experience and no-nonsense style to mediate heated disagreements between neighbours.
The veteran cop spent 33 years in the force, eventually becoming Detective Inspector overseeing criminal investigations in the Bay of Plenty.
Fans of Bell have begun sharing their best memories of his work, and sharing an outpour of love following his death. "RIP Graham Bell – the no-nonsense ex-cop and legendary 'Police Ten 7' host has signed off for the last time," one Kiwi commented on Facebook. "A straight shooter who called out 'gutless goons' and 'vicious morons' with unmatched flair, Graham helped catch hundreds and entertained thousands."
They added: "He’s now patrolling the big beat in the sky - and you can bet he’s still not tolerating any nonsense. Rest easy, Inspector. We’ve got the watch from here." Someone else said: "R.I.P Graham Bell was a great man my condolences to the family at this sad time."
"Rest in peace, brother. Thank you for what you did for 'Police Ten 7', you were a real champion. You're going to be sadly missed by all of the NZ Police," a third wrote.
Bell leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Joyce, kids David, Megan, and Chrissy, their partners Shar, Dobbo, and Morne, plus his adored grandkids Tom, Ruby, Scarlett, Ollie, Jack, and Bella.
