BBC star dies as his wife issues emotional tribute

Yahoo

28-03-2025

A BBC legend has died at the age of 85. Paul Barnes was a TV and radio host who worked across the BBC and alongside Anthea Turner. Paul also appeared on several hit shows including The Village Show, Folio and Anything Goes.
Paul's wife and fellow broadcaster Helen McDermott has shared a heartbreaking tribute as she announced the sad news. She said he lived a "full and colourful life", reports The Mirror.
The couple worked together as they wrote an alternate column every fortnight for the Norwich Evening News. She said: "He loved life and whatever he did, TV, Radio or writing, he was a perfectionist." Paul would share his strong views on topics and would often ask: "Have I gone too far this time?"
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Born in Coventry in 1939, Paul soon discovered a passion for music and played the trumpet in his school band. He went on to become an enthusiastic record collector and also loved jazz. Paul would only play music he personally enjoyed on his radio shows.
He started out working in a photographic shop before entering the media thanks to his first job in radio. He bagged himself many TV credits including Anglia Television during the early nineties.
Robert Thompson, the BBC's Senior Head of Content Production, London and East, said: "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 Paul's time there, paid tribute as he 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." David added: "Barnes ended every show the same way with a cheery 'pip pip'. So 'pip pip' Barnsey. Thanks for some great music."
Paul and wife Helen welcomed two sons- Matt and Dean- and granddaughter Eloise. The couple were together for 47 years. 'The best thing for me is that he loved the life he lived,' Helen told East Anglican Daily Times.
'He always said how privileged he was to have lived as he had. He left his mark on the world and even through his long and difficult illness, he never lost his sense of humour. As I sat beside him last week in the hospital, I asked him if he knew who I was and he said, 'Father Christmas'."