BBC broadcaster and producer Ned Sherrin, host of Radio 4's Loose Ends programme has died from cancer. The 76 year old passed away at his home is Chelsea surrounded by his doctor and close friends at his bedside.
He first joined the BBC for a short spell in 1957 as a production assistant, and re-joined in 1963. His career lies mainly in television programmes such as That Was The Week That Was and films such as Up Pompeii, but most recently he was heard on BBC Radio 4 hosting the Saturday night show Loose Ends.
Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General, said: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Ned Sherrin. Through his brilliant early work Ned was a trail blazer who paved the way for the sophisticated modern comedy satire shows that are so much loved by audiences today.
"His contribution across decades made him one of Britain's best loved voices. The entertainment industry owes Ned Sherrin a huge debt and he will be remembered with enormous affection and gratitude by the BBC and by countless millions of viewers and listeners."
A special programme — Ned Sherrin: A Tribute — will be broadcast on Radio 4 at 6.30pm tonight (Tuesday 2 October).