Former BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Paul Barnes dies aged 85
Tributes have been paid to the former radio and television presenter Paul Barnes, who has died at the age of 85.Barnes worked across the BBC radio network for many years, as well as the World Service and local radio for the Eastern Counties.He was also the first reporter on Radio 1's Newsbeat and his TV credits included The Village Show, Anything Goes and Folio, all for ITV.His wife and fellow broadcaster Helen McDermott said Barnes lived a "full and colourful life".
Barnes was born in Coventry in 1939. He began his working life in a photographic shop and later entered the media, starting first in radio. His career spanned decades, broadcasting across the BBC's network radio stations.He was also well known on BBC Radio Norfolk and presented on Anglia Television during the early Nineties."He loved life and whatever he did, TV, Radio or writing, he was a perfectionist," Ms McDermott said.Robert Thompson, the BBC's Senior Head of Content Production, London and East, said Barnes' "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 the editor at BBC Radio Norfolk during Barnes' time there, said 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." He continued: "Barnes ended every show the same way with a cheery 'pip pip'. So 'pip pip' Barnsey. Thanks for some great music."
Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Inside the battle to save Strictly: Revolting slur that's caused 'terrible fear' over contestants' behaviour exposed by KATIE HIND - as insiders leak list of who bosses are desperate to sign up
Some truly frantic meetings are taking place right now at Broadcasting House, the BBC 's famous London headquarters near Regent Street. With just weeks to go to complete the celebrity line-up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing, the show's bosses are in agonies as they try to work out who to hire.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Billie Piper 'let slip' she was returning to Doctor Who weeks ago
Billie Piper will be the next Doctor after it was revealed in the finale episode of the latest series last weekend - but she accidentally 'shared' the news weeks before Actress Billie Piper appeared to let slip she was returning to Doctor Who weeks before it was revealed. The 42-year-old will become the second female Doctor in the next series. So far, Jodie Whittaker is the only female to take on the iconic role. It comes after Ncuti Gatwa's shock exit during the finale of the latest series when his character regenerated into Billie in his final episode, which aired on the BBC on Saturday, May 31. Speaking in BBC Three's Doctor Who: Unleashed to mark the 20 years since the show was revived, Billie dropped a huge hint she was returning to the show for the third time, following her original appearance as Rose Tyler from 2005 to 2006 and a cameo in 2010. Asked if she would ever make a comeback in the interview filmed weeks before the news was officially announced, she said: "Yeah I would… I would come back. What's funny is that I never feel like I've left Doctor Who, because there is this huge Doctor Who afterlife." She continued: "Obviously people still really want to talk about it, it's a massive fandom, so we do conventions and we meet lots of the fans, and there's always features. It's always on the TV on some channel, and a new generation pick it up, so it never feels like it's over, like it does with all the other jobs I've done." Billie then accidentally blurted out: "So coming back is really good fun." Quickly correcting herself, she added: "So I would do it, but I still feel like I'm in it. Just a lot older." Now cat is out the bag, Billie has since said it was too good of an opportunity to turn down. In a statement, she shared: "It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse, as I have some of my best memories there. So to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse." Now it is rumoured that the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, could also return to the show alongside Billie 20 years after they first appeared on screen together. Though if Billie is the new Doctor, it's unclear what role David would take on. A source told The Sun: "The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who. "With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. When David's Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his 'half' went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa's carried on as the Time Lord. 'It wouldn't be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership, but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who." David, 54, played the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 and appeared in three specials returning as the 14th Doctor before handing the role over to 32-year-old Sex Education star Ncuti. Speaking about his exit from the show after just one season, Ncuti told fans: "You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever. "I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor." Explaining his reasons for leaving, he added: "It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it's time." However, die-hard fans think there may be another reason behind his exit. Taking to X, a fan named Mr Tardis wrote: "In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on 'The Graham Norton Show' saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better." But the BBC were quick to shut down those claims. A spokesperson said: "Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been 'axed' is pure fiction."
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Meghan Markle's 'vulgar' move would leave King Charles 'horrified', claims expert
Meghan Markle stunned the world by sharing a video of her in a hospital room before giving birth to her daughter. A royal commentator has described Meghan Markle's decision to share a video of her twerking in an effort to induce labour as "utterly bizarre", which would likely leave King Charles "horrified". The Duchess of Sussex surprised fans and the press by uploading the footage on Lilibet's fourth birthday, where she danced vibrantly in a maternity ward with Prince Harry by her side. Meghan is seen in the video energetically twerking to Starrkeisha's Baby Momma Anthem, hitching her skirt above the knees, lifting her arms and shuffling low, hands placed firmly on her waist, legs moving rhythmically. Posting the video, Meghan reflected: "Four years ago today, this also happened," adding that after other methods such as eating spicy food, walking extensively, and trying acupuncture failed, dancing seemed like the next option. "Both of our children were a week past their due dates... so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work – there was only one thing left to do!" she penned. Jennie Bond, ex-BBC Royal correspondent, gave her take on the surprising clip, telling the Mirror that those moments are typically highly private for any couple. Emphasising the significance of personal choice during childbirth, Bond stated: "The hours before you give birth are some of the most personal, intimate and private in the lives of any couple. "Women are perfectly entitled to do whatever they feel like to get through the waiting, and the pain. Giving birth is a serious business, and anything to lighten the mood is welcome. "However, to share those scenes with the world is utterly bizarre and, in my view, takes away all the magic of the moment. I cannot imagine why she chose to release it. "Maybe show it one day to your nearest and dearest- but to anyone and everyone who wants to click on it? "I can hear the voice of the late Queen's former private secretary, Lord Charteris, repeating the comments he once made about Fergie: 'Vulgar, vulgar, vulgar'." She went on: "If the King has watched it, which I doubt, though he can't have missed the headlines I'm sure he would be horrified. Royalty has to carry with it some measure of dignity. "I'm glad they were so happy before the birth, I'm glad Harry was there to support his wife in every way, I'm delighted to hear that he's such a great dad. But they really can't have it both ways. "They can't demand privacy and be so coy about sharing images of their children and then show us all these intensely intimate scenes. "And she cannot expect to be treated as if she's royal whilst behaving like a click-hungry social media influencer." Jennie admitted, though, that such videos will "connect in a very real way to young people". "Perhaps that's what Meghan is trying to do," she reasoned. "My own daughter thought the video humanised both Meghan and Harry and was light-hearted and hugely relatable. "It reminded her of her own pregnancies and labour and she thought it was rather charming. "In many ways, I agree with her. I just don't think it sits happily with trying to cling to the vestiges of being ' royal '." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
