A veteran TV host famed for helming one of the longest running series on Aussie and Kiwi screens has died at age 78 following a cancer battle.

Graham Bell, former host of the hit New Zealand show Police Ten 7, has died at age 78.

The TV host and former police officer passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday following a battle with cancer.

Bell’s loved ones confirmed the TV personality’s death in a statement shared on Wednesday while requesting privacy.

“He leaves behind his devoted wife of 57 years, Joyce, his children David, Megan, and Chrissy, their partners Shar, Dobbo, and Morne, and his adored grandchildren Tom, Ruby, Scarlett, Ollie, Jack, and Bella,” the family said.

Kiwi presenter Graham Bell has died aged 78. Picture: Seven.

Bell was a 33-year veteran of the Kiwi police force and was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in the 2001 Birthday Honours.

The former police officer shot to national fame in his fifties as the original host of Police Ten 7 from 2002 until 2014.

The long-running series followed the work of police officers in New Zealand as they deal with crimes related to vandalism, domestic violence and drugs.

Police Ten 7 has been a long-running syndication staple in Australia and has aired variously on Foxtel, Channel 7 and Channel 10 over the years.

Bell helmed the long-running police series from 2002 until 2014. Picture: Ten.

In his native New Zealand, Bell was something of a cult figure and was known for his “straight talk” style of presenting, branding suspects “vicious morons” and “lunatic scumbags”.

Bell continued to defend the series after the show faced complaints of promoting racial stereotypes and blamed its 2023 cancellation on “wokeness and political correctness”.

New Zealand’s Police Minister Mark Mitchell led the tributes to Bell and honoured the late presenter’s commitment to “public service”.

Very sad to hear about the passing of Graham Bell.

Graham led an extraordinary life. He was a well-known and trusted public figure.

I want to acknowledge his public service, and the positive impact he had on many people’s lives. He will be deeply missed.

— Mark Mitchell (@MarkMitchellMP) October 8, 2025

“Very sad to hear about the passing of Graham Bell,” he wrote on X.

“Graham led an extraordinary life. He was a well-known and trusted public figure.

“I want to acknowledge his public service, and the positive impact he had on many people’s lives. He will be deeply missed.”