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 the BBC radio network for many years, as well as the World Service and local radio for the Eastern Counties. He had the distiction of being the the first reporter on Radio 1's Newsbeat and his TV credits included The Village Show, Anything Goes and Folio, all for ITV. Anything Goes saw him working with a young Anthea Turner.
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."
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."
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