Paul Barnes dead: Legendary BBC and ITV presenter dies as heartbroken wife pays tribute
The legendary star worked across both TV and radio hosting many popular programmes.
Legendary TV and radio presenter Paul Barnes, who worked across the BBC radio network for many years and appeared on TV on both BBC and ITV, has died aged 85. He died in the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital on 26 March. His wife fellow broadcaster Helen McDermott confirmed the news saying he lived a "full and colourful life. He loved life and whatever he did, TV, Radio or writing, he was a perfectionist," she said. Paul and Helen were married for 47 years and have Paul had two sons, Matt and Dan and a granddaughter, Eloise.
During his lengthy career he worked across BBC radios 1, 2, 3 and 4, the BBC World Service, Woman’s Hour and even the Today programme. He also worked for Granada, Central and BBC TV. As a writer his work appeared in the Observer, the Guardian, Punch and East Anglican Daily Times in which he had a regular column alternating with his wife.
His TV credits included The Village Show, Anything Goes and Folio, all for ITV. Anything Goes saw him working with a young Anthea Turner.
Born in Coventry in July 1939 he discovered a passion for music early on and went on to become an enthusiastic record collector with a particular love of jazz.
Such was his passion he would only play music he personally enjoyed on his radio shows.
Robert Thompson, the BBC's Senior Head of Content Production, London and East, paid tribute saying: "(His) home was the East".
"His love of music shone through, and many will remember that enthusiasm reflected in his programme 'The Late Paul Barnes' which delighted so many listeners."
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David Clayton, who was editor at BBC Radio Norfolk during Paul's tenure paid tribute recalling his love for jazz was evident.
"He was always a great 'wordsmith' with his writing," he said. His colourful prose, particularly about his beloved jazz music, was a joy to hear.
His knowledge was vast and his keenness to pass that on to a loyal band of like-minded listeners made for memorable radio shows.
"Barnes ended every show the same way with a cheery 'pip pip'. So 'pip pip' Barnsey. Thanks for some great music."
