Michael Mosley: BBC star's body 'likely to be repatriated from Symi to UK by this weekend'

Michael Mosley’s body is expected to be repatriated back to the UK “within days”, it has been claimed.

The presenter, known for his appearances on This Morning and BBC Radio 4's Just One Thing, was last seen on the island of Symi where the 67-year-old was holidaying with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey. He vanished after setting off for a walk alone at around 1.30pm on Wednesday before finally being found on Sunday near Agia Marina beach after a massive multi-day search that grabbed international headlines.

It has since been confirmed that the popular broadcaster, columnist and family man died of natural causes after he was reported missing – most likely heat exhaustion and dehydration. Now, an expert in the case says Dr Mosley’s remains are likely to be repatriated to the UK in the next 24 hours. . Dr Grigoris Leon, head of the Hellenic society of forensic medicine, told the Guardian: “Usually it’s only a matter of time once a postmortem is conducted for a body to be released.

Michael Mosley

“It means in this case it’s a question of days before repatriation takes place.”

Before transitioning into broadcasting, Mosley initially trained as a doctor, presenting numerous science programmes and films on the BBC including Trust Me, I'm A Doctor, which explored healthcare in Britain. In 2002, he received an Emmy nomination for his role as an executive producer on the BBC's science documentary, The Human Face. Later, in 2014, he went to extreme lengths for a series called Infested! Living With Parasites on BBC Four, where he ingested tapeworms for six weeks.

In a statement, his wife earlier said: “I don’t know quite where to begin with this. It’s devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband. We had an incredibly lucky life together. We loved each other very much and were so happy together. I am incredibly proud of our children, their resilience and support over the past days.

Michael Mosley

“My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world . It’s clear Michael meant a huge amount to so many of you. We’re taking comfort in the fact that he so very nearly made it. He did an incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn’t be easily seen by the extensive search team.

“Michael was an adventurous man, it’s part of what made him so special. We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi who have worked tirelessly to help find him. Some of these people on the island, who hadn’t even heard of Michael, worked from dawn till dusk unasked.

A photo shared of what Mr Mosley was wearing

Dr Michael Mosley photographed in the kitchen of his home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.

“We’re also very grateful to the press who have dealt with us with great respect. I feel so lucky to have our children and my amazing friends. Most of all, I feel so lucky to have had this life with Michael. Thank you all.”

This morning in a fitting tribute, the BBC will broadcast the final interview Mosley conducted in a programme titled There's Only One Michael Mosley on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 11am.