TV and radio presenter Paul Barnes has died aged 85, it was announced on Friday. 

The BBC star was well known for his work alongside Anthea Turner and starred on, The Village Show, Folio and Anything Goes. 

His wife Helen McDermott said in a statement, confirmed to the BBC, that he lived a ‘full and colourful life.’

She added: ‘He loved life and whatever he did, TV, Radio or writing, he was a perfectionist.’ 

On the BBC, Paul worked on the World Service and local radio for the Eastern Counties, including radio Norfolk. 

He also wrote a fortnightly newspaper column for the Eastern Daily Press and wrote for the Observer, the Guardian and Punch. 

TV and radio presenter Paul Barnes has died aged 85, it was announced on Friday

The BBC star was well known for his work alongside Anthea Turner and starred on, The Village Show, Folio and Anything Goes

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, former editor at BBC Radio Norfolk added: ‘He was always a great ‘wordsmith’ with his writing. 

‘His colourful prose, particularly about his beloved jazz music, was a joy to hear.

‘His knowledge was vast and his keenness to pᴀss 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.’